Haganah

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Haganah (Hebrew: הַהֲגָנָה‎, "The Defense") was a Jewish paramilitary organization in the British Mandate of Palestine from 1920 to 1948. It was the main precursor to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).

History

The Haganah was established in June 1920 to defend Jewish communities from Arab attacks. Initially, it was a loose organization of local defense groups, but it gradually became a more structured and centralized organization. The Haganah played a crucial role in the defense of Jewish settlements and in the establishment of the State of Israel.

Early Years

In its early years, the Haganah was primarily a defensive organization. It focused on protecting Jewish settlements from Arab rioters and bandits. The organization was clandestine and operated under the radar of the British authorities, who controlled Palestine at the time.

1936-1939 Arab Revolt

During the 1936–1939 Arab revolt in Palestine, the Haganah expanded its operations and began to take on a more offensive role. It carried out retaliatory attacks against Arab militants and established a network of fortified settlements known as "stockade and tower" (Hebrew: חומה ומגדל‎, Homa u'Migdal).

World War II

During World War II, the Haganah cooperated with the British authorities against the threat of a German invasion. Many Haganah members joined the Jewish Brigade of the British Army. The Haganah also established the Palmach, an elite strike force, in 1941.

Post-War Period

After World War II, the Haganah focused on facilitating Jewish immigration to Palestine, in defiance of British restrictions. This period saw the establishment of the Aliyah Bet program, which smuggled Holocaust survivors and other Jews into Palestine.

1947-1948 Civil War

During the 1947–1948 Civil War in Mandatory Palestine, the Haganah played a central role in the defense of Jewish communities and in the conquest of Arab towns and villages. The Haganah's operations during this period laid the groundwork for the establishment of the IDF.

Structure

The Haganah was organized into several branches, including the Palmach, the Irgun, and the Lehi. Each branch had its own command structure and specialized in different types of operations.

Legacy

The Haganah is considered a foundational element of the modern Israel Defense Forces. Many of its members went on to hold prominent positions in the IDF and in Israeli politics.

Related Pages

• Israel Defense Forces
• Palmach
• Irgun
• Lehi (group)
• Jewish Brigade
• Aliyah Bet
• 1936–1939 Arab revolt in Palestine
• 1947–1948 Civil War in Mandatory Palestine