Preparing for Arab intervention from neighbouring states , Haganah successfully launched Operations Yiftah and Ben - ' Ami to secure the Jewish settlements of Galilee , and Operation Kilshon . This created an Israeli-controlled front around Jerusalem . The inconclusive meeting between Golda Meir and Abdullah I , followed by the Kfar Etzion massacre on the 13 May by the Arab Legion , led to predictions that the battle for Jerusalem would be merciless
Kfar Etzion massacre
Kfar Etzion massacre
1947–1949 Palestine war