[Imp]

Heavy arty definitely causes causalities 105s down rare more use for suppression. Been on the receiving end & very occasionally it can be quite severe not just the odd man half a squad gone.
Persuading dug in units to retreat using artillery alone requires a decent amount in one turn, one tube is okay to pin units to assist an attack but they need a heavy hammering normally over a turn or 2 to vacate the relative safety of the fortification.
Get to route status with arty & then direct fire at, slightly easier to hit damage I think though they still sometimes stay put to the last man.
I to am using Merkavas & APC MGs to clean out but not at 200 meters more like 400-700m.