The
Battle of Jerusalem occurred during the
British Empire's "Jerusalem Operations" against the
Ottoman Empire, when fighting for the city developed from 17 November, continuing after the surrender until 30 December 1917, to secure the final objective of the
Southern Palestine Offensive during the
Sinai and Palestine Campaign of
World War I. Before
Jerusalem could be secured, two battles were recognised by the British as being fought in the
Judean Hills to the north and east of the
Hebron–Junction Station line. These were the
Battle of Nebi Samwill from 17 to 24 November and the Defence of Jerusalem from 26 to 30 December 1917. They also recognised within these Jerusalem Operations, the successful second attempt on 21 and 22 December 1917 to advance across the Nahr el Auja, as the
Battle of Jaffa, although Jaffa had been occupied as a consequence of the Battle of Mughar Ridge on 16 November.