“Ramleh and nearby Lydda, site of what was Palestine’s main airport, are but two miles away. Neither is in the State of Israel but they are strongholds which Haganah believes constitute a serious threat to the state. Since attacks have come from both places Haganah and its commando arm Irgun Zvai Leumi, have taken up the challenge”
Source: New York Times, May 30, 1948