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The history of Israel is filled with dramatic and complex events, and the Altalena affair stands out as a particularly significant episode. The Altalena, a ship whose destruction was ordered by David Ben-Gurion, Israel’s Prime Minister at the time, symbolizes the internal tensions and conflicting interests that shaped the nascent Israeli state.
In 1948, the Altalena was purchased by the Irgun (a Zionist paramilitary organization led by Menachem Begin) in France. The ship, named after the pen name of Zeev Jabotinsky (one of the founders of the Revisionist Zionist movement), was loaded with fighters and ammunition intended to bolster the Irgun’s forces during Israel’s War of Independence.
At the time, Israel had just declared its independence on May 14, 1948, and was embroiled in a war with neighboring Arab armies. David Ben-Gurion, head of the provisional government, had ordered the creation of a unified army, the Haganah, which was to incorporate all Jewish armed forces, including the Irgun.
However, the Irgun, under Begin’s leadership, wanted to retain some autonomy and planned to use the weapons on the Altalena for its own units. Ben-Gurion, determined to prevent any military division that could weaken the new state, insisted that all arms be turned over to the newly formed Israel Defense Forces (IDF).
The Altalena set sail from France in June 1948, carrying over 900 fighters and a large cache of weapons. Upon approaching the Israeli coast, negotiations between the Irgun and the government broke down. The Irgun wanted to distribute the weapons to its units in Jerusalem and other areas, while Ben-Gurion demanded that all arms be handed over to the IDF.
On June 20, 1948, the Altalena reached the coast near Kfar Vitkin. Begin and the Irgun attempted to unload the ship’s cargo, but the IDF, following Ben-Gurion’s orders, demanded the surrender of the weapons. When the Irgun refused, a violent confrontation ensued, resulting in casualties on both sides.
The Altalena then attempted to dock in Tel Aviv, but the situation escalated further. Ben-Gurion, emphasizing the need for a single, unified military force and fearing a potential civil war, ordered the IDF to stop the ship. On June 22, after continued resistance from the Irgun, Ben-Gurion gave the controversial order to shell the Altalena. The resulting explosion and fire led to the deaths of 16 Irgun members and three IDF soldiers, and the ship sank off the coast of Tel Aviv.
The destruction of the Altalena was a turning point in Israeli history. It established the authority of the new government and underscored the importance of a unified military force. Despite the initial outrage and division it caused, the event eventually reinforced the primacy of the state’s authority over independent armed factions.
Menachem Begin, despite his deep anger and the loss of his comrades, urged his followers to avoid retaliatory violence, a move that helped prevent a potential civil war. This decision by Begin played a crucial role in stabilizing the new state and fostering national unity.
The Altalena affair remains a deeply emotional and contentious episode in Israeli history. It highlights the complex dynamics and struggles within the Zionist movement and the difficult choices faced by the leaders of the fledgling state. The event is a testament to the challenges of nation-building and the sacrifices made to ensure the survival and unity of Israel.
The story of the Altalena is not just about a ship but about the foundational principles of statehood, authority, and unity. It is a powerful reminder of the internal conflicts that can arise during the creation of a new nation and the tough decisions that leaders must make to secure its future. The Altalena affair continues to be a subject of study and reflection, symbolizing the complexities and resilience of the State of Israel.
For more detailed accounts, consider reading works such as “The Birth of Israel: Myths and Realities” by Simha Flapan and “Ben-Gurion: A Political Life” by Shimon Peres. These sources provide deeper insights into the historical context and significance of the Altalena affair.
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