Ammunition Hill stands as a poignant landmark in Jerusalem, commemorating one of the fiercest battles of the Six-Day War. Located in northern Jerusalem, this site played a crucial role in the reunification of the city under Israeli control in 1967. Before the war, Ammunition Hill served as a fortified Jordanian military post, strategically positioned to control the route to Mount Scopus, a then-Israeli enclave within Jordanian-held territory. The hill earned its name from the British who used it to store ammunition during their Mandate period.

On June 6, 1967, Israeli paratroopers launched a daring nighttime assault on the hill. The battle raged for four hours, characterized by intense hand-to-hand combat in the trenches. The Israelis faced fierce resistance from the Jordanian defenders, resulting in heavy casualties on both sides. By morning, the Israeli forces had captured the hill, but at a steep cost – 36 Israeli soldiers lost their lives in the fighting. The capture of Ammunition Hill proved pivotal in the broader context of the war. It opened the way for Israeli forces to advance and eventually take the Old City of Jerusalem, leading to the reunification of the city under Israeli control.

Touring Ammunition Hill

Today, Ammunition Hill functions as a national memorial site and museum. Visitors can explore the preserved trenches and bunkers, gaining insight into the harsh conditions of the battle. The museum houses exhibits detailing the events of the Six-Day War, personal stories of the soldiers who fought there, and artifacts from the conflict. An impressive monument on the site honors the fallen soldiers, their names etched in stone as a lasting tribute.

A tour of Jerusalem’s Ammunition Hill can be combined with a day tour of Jerusalem