abstract:Latrun (, Latrun; , al-Latrun) is a strategic hilltop in the Latrun Salient in the Ayalon Valley. It overlooks the road to Jerusalem, located 25 kilometers west of Jerusalem and 14 kilometers southeast of Ramla.
It was the British decision to transfer control over Latrun - with its command over the road below - to the Jordan Legion, that all but guaranteed the fall of Jerusalem by preventing reinforcements from aiding its undermanned defenders.