The History of Haganah and Irgun Terrorists

The Haganah and Irgun were two Jewish paramilitary organizations that played pivotal roles in the establishment of the State of Israel. Emerging during the British Mandate for Palestine (1920-1948), these groups sought to protect Jewish communities and advance the cause of Zionism. However, their methods and ideologies often differed, with the Haganah pursuing a more moderate approach and the Irgun employing militant tactics that many deemed as terrorism. This article explores the history of these organizations, their activities, and their impact on the founding of Israel.

The Origins of the Haganah

The Haganah, meaning "Defense" in Hebrew, was founded in 1920 as a response to increasing violence between Jews and Arabs in Palestine. Initially a loose coalition of local defense groups, the Haganah evolved into a centralized and organized militia by the 1930s. Its primary aim was to protect Jewish settlements from attacks and to ensure the survival of the Yishuv (the Jewish community in Palestine).

The Haganah’s strategy focused on defensive measures, including the fortification of settlements, intelligence gathering, and training local populations in self-defense. During the Arab Revolt (1936-1939), the Haganah collaborated with the British authorities, providing intelligence and manpower to suppress the uprising. This cooperation helped the Haganah grow in size and sophistication, laying the groundwork for its future role in the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF).

The Emergence of the Irgun

The Irgun, officially known as Irgun Tzva'i Le'umi (National Military Organization), was established in 1931 as a breakaway faction from the Haganah. Led by figures like Ze'ev Jabotinsky and later Menachem Begin, the Irgun adhered to the Revisionist Zionism ideology, which emphasized the need for a Jewish state on both sides of the Jordan River. Unlike the Haganah, the Irgun advocated for offensive tactics and direct confrontation with both Arab militants and the British authorities.

The Irgun’s activities included bombings, assassinations, and attacks on British military installations. They believed that these actions were necessary to force the British to end their mandate and to compel international recognition of Jewish sovereignty in Palestine. The Irgun’s slogan, “Only thus,” reflected their belief that force was the only means to achieve Zionist goals.

Key Activities and Operations

Both the Haganah and the Irgun carried out significant operations that shaped the course of history in Palestine. However, their tactics and objectives often placed them at odds with each other.

Haganah Activities

1. Aliyah Bet (Illegal Immigration): One of the Haganah’s most notable efforts was organizing clandestine immigration for Jewish refugees fleeing the Holocaust. Under the operation known as Aliyah Bet, the Haganah facilitated the transport of tens of thousands of Jews to Palestine, often in defiance of British immigration quotas.

2. Night Squads: During the Arab Revolt, the Haganah formed Special Night Squads led by British officer Orde Wingate. These units conducted counter-insurgency operations against Arab militants, earning a reputation for their effectiveness.

3. Plan D (Plan Dalet): In 1948, as tensions escalated into the Arab-Israeli War, the Haganah implemented Plan D to secure territory for the emerging Jewish state. This controversial plan involved capturing strategic locations and expelling Arab populations, which remains a contentious topic in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Irgun Activities

1. King David Hotel Bombing: On July 22, 1946, the Irgun carried out one of its most infamous operations, bombing the King David Hotel in Jerusalem, which housed British administrative offices. The attack killed 91 people, including British, Arab, and Jewish civilians. The Irgun claimed it had warned the British beforehand, but the bombing drew widespread condemnation.

2. Deir Yassin Massacre: In April 1948, Irgun and Lehi (another Jewish paramilitary group) forces attacked the Arab village of Deir Yassin, killing over 100 villagers, including women and children. The massacre intensified tensions and contributed to the exodus of Palestinians from their homes.

3. Altalena Affair: In June 1948, a confrontation between the newly formed IDF and the Irgun erupted over the ship Altalena, which carried arms for Irgun fighters. Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion ordered the IDF to intercept the ship, resulting in a deadly clash. This incident marked the end of the Irgun as an independent entity and its integration into the IDF.

The Relationship Between Haganah and Irgun

The Haganah and Irgun had a complex and often strained relationship. While both sought to establish a Jewish state, their differing methods and ideologies created tensions. The Haganah viewed the Irgun’s militant tactics as counterproductive and harmful to the Zionist cause, fearing that attacks on British and Arab targets would provoke retaliation and undermine international support.

The rivalry between the two groups reached its peak during the "Season," a period in 1944-1945 when the Haganah collaborated with the British to suppress the Irgun. Haganah members provided intelligence on Irgun operations, leading to the arrest and imprisonment of Irgun fighters. Despite these tensions, the two groups occasionally coordinated efforts, particularly during the 1948 Arab-Israeli War.

Legacy and Controversy

The legacies of the Haganah and Irgun are deeply intertwined with the founding of Israel. The Haganah is celebrated as the precursor to the IDF and a symbol of Jewish resilience and determination. Its efforts in defending Jewish communities and facilitating immigration are widely acknowledged as pivotal to the establishment of the state.

The Irgun, on the other hand, remains a polarizing figure in history. Supporters view its actions as necessary for achieving independence, while critics condemn its use of terrorism and its role in escalating violence. The group’s leader, Menachem Begin, went on to become Israel’s prime minister, further cementing the Irgun’s influence on Israeli politics.

Conclusion

The histories of the Haganah and Irgun reflect the complexities and contradictions of the Zionist struggle for statehood. While the Haganah embodied a more moderate and defensive approach, the Irgun’s militant tactics highlighted the desperation and determination of a people seeking self-determination. Together, these organizations shaped the course of Jewish history, leaving a legacy that continues to influence the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and debates over the ethics of resistance and state-building.