BAR LEV LINE

Bar Lev Line: translation

   A defensive system on the east bank of the Suez Canal constructed by the Israel Defense Forces during Haim Bar Lev's tenure as chief of staff. The Bar Lev Line was essentially a series of fortifications and strong points constructed along the Suez Canal to withstand artillery shelling and other weapons and intended to reduce Israeli manpower requirements and potential casualties along the Suez Canal. It was overrun by the Egyptian army in the early hours of the Yom Kippur War (1973).

   See also War of Attrition (1969-70).