Rommel and some Axis commanders were sure the United States joining the Battle of Gazala would strengthen the Eighth Army 's military .
Rommel knew that the entry of America into the war , would give the Eighth Army access to a huge quantity of supplies and equipment but despite the superior number of tanks , guns and aircraft in the Eighth Army , the Axis could expect more Allied supplies to arrive slowly , creating an opportunity to forestall an Allied offensive .
Battle of Gazala