At the beginning of October 1944, the Allies were forced to cease offensive activities, despite the fact that the German army was rapidly out of occupied territory. This was the result of dramatic supply problems. This was why the Allied priority was to unlock the port of Antwerp, whose opening could significantly improve the supply situation of the Allies.
Stopping the front line needed to regroup allied forces and pulling up the supply line allowed von Rundstedt to reorganize the German troops at this front. Despite this momentary breath, the situation of the German army was desperate. On the eastern front, the Red Army destroyed the Army Group "Center", and the offensive of the Soviet troops stopped only because of the fatigue of the army and the worsening supply situation. It was clear to the German staff that, after a forced detention, these troops were preparing for a winter offensive that was likely to begin in December. Taking into account the forces at that moment, the German staff knew that the chances of a successful offensive action on the Eastern Front were negligible. Several plans were analyzed, but none of them offered any major strategic gains. The disproportion in the available forces was so great in favor of the Soviets that even the lap and destruction of the entire Soviet army would have brought no definitive solution, and the present shape of the front line in the east was not based on any natural line of defense.
The situation on the western front was more interesting from the German point of view. Logistical problems continued to be a serious problem for the Allies, although the opening of the Antwerp port improved the situation. However, the Anglo-American forces were stretched on a very wide front and some of its sections were very poorly planted. An effective attack could theoretically allow a serious change in the strategic situation.

"General,
It is time to take the initiative in the west. The Fhrer believes that this offensive will allow us to reverse the unfavorable situation on the Western Front. The plan is to attack the 30th Division through the Ardennes westward until the Meuse River, followed by a change of direction north to Antwerp and Brussels. Thus, in the event of a successful attack, four armies will be isolated and destroyed.

Operational tasks:
- In the northern section 6 SS Armored Corps will hit. The main weight of fighting falls on 1st SS Armored Corps (1SS and 12SS) which, with the support of 3 Parachute Shooters Divisions and 12th Grenadier Division, will hit Elsenborn and Rocherath and continue through Manhay, La Glaize towards Stoumont. Then change direction north to Tinlot and Huy. The Butgenbach crossing is part of the Kampfgruppe von der Heydte parachute.
- The 5th Armored Division will hit the southern section. Its main strength is the 116th Armored Division, which, with the support of the 560th Grenadier Division, will take over Bullingen and strike Wiltz in the direction of Stavelot.
- In the area around Diekirch, 5 Parachute Shooters Division will be crossed and struck by the 212th and 276th Grenadier Division. After the capture of the Diekirch they will hit Esch son Sure in the direction of Stavelot.

Field Marshall Walther Model "
