Did Israeli Defense Forces originate from Haganah and Irgun?

Yes, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have their origins in the Haganah, while the Irgun played a more complicated role in their formation.

Haganah

The Haganah was the main Jewish paramilitary organization in British Mandatory Palestine from 1920 until 1948. It was established to protect Jewish communities from Arab attacks. Over time, the Haganah evolved into a more structured and organized military force, which included a variety of units and branches. When Israel declared independence in 1948, the Haganah became the foundation for the newly established IDF, which was created as the state's official military.

Irgun

The Irgun (Etzel) was a smaller, more militant Jewish paramilitary organization that operated independently of the Haganah. It was known for its more aggressive tactics, including bombings and attacks on British and Arab targets. While the Irgun was not directly incorporated into the IDF in the same way as the Haganah, many of its members did join the IDF after it was established. In fact, the integration of various paramilitary groups, including the Irgun and the smaller Lehi group, into the IDF was part of a broader effort to unify the Jewish military forces under a single command.

The absorption of these groups into the IDF wasn't entirely smooth, and there were tensions, especially given the Irgun's more radical approach. A notable incident was the "Altalena Affair" in June 1948, where the IDF (still heavily influenced by former Haganah members) clashed with the Irgun over a shipment of arms.

In summary, while the IDF primarily originated from the Haganah, the Irgun and other groups also contributed to its ranks, albeit in a more complex and contentious manner.