British mobilisation alone did not set the timetable. Israel needed time to prepare, France needed time to assemble its contribution, and hired shipping and other assets had to be made ready. Planners also feared that the onset of the Mediterranean winter would make the amphibious operation impracticable. Coalition coordination, commercial logistics, and seasonal weather all narrowed the window for action.
Notable Point · 1:41:29-1:41:46
Allied Preparation and the Mediterranean Winter
The invasion date reflected Israeli and French preparation, the hiring of civilian assets, and a closing weather window in the Mediterranean.