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Despite the setbacks, Rommel initiated a "dash to the wire," attempting to lure the Allies into a trap and stretch their defenses. Early December saw daring reconnaissance efforts along the coast and Trigh Capuzzo, aiming to cut off the British supply lines. However, these efforts were met with success for the Allies, who ambushed German patrols and knocked out several units, reaffirming that exhaustion was spreading across both sides.
Rommel’s supply situation worsened as British naval interdiction sank a significant portion of the Italian transports, with reports indicating that over 60% of the supplies Rommel expected failed to reach North Africa. Italian troops, exhausted and demoralized, were increasingly viewed as a liability, compounding the crisis.