IDF F-4E Jet Fighter “Kurnass”

Following the establishment of Israel after World War II, instability continued in the Middle East. After the Six-Day War in 1967, Israel could no longer receive military support from France. Instead, the United States stepped in, providing 122 F-4E aircraft. In 1973, the Yom Kippur War (the Fourth Middle East War) broke out, and although the Israeli military was initially overwhelmed by the Arab coalition forces, the F-4E, nicknamed “Kurnass” (meaning “hammer” in Hebrew), engaged in ground attacks and contributed to the counteroffensive of ground troops. It is said that during this war, the F-4E achieved as many as 85 aerial victories.