Founding the Palmach
Since the foundation of the Hagana in 1920, its active members and commanders sought to establish an independent national enlisted force that would secure the Zionist settlement in Eretz Israel. Due to the Hagana's existence as an underground organization, this course was not pursued until the decision was made by the national Hagana HQ () at its meeting on 15.5.41 – to establish a national enlisted force by the name of 'Striking Force' (Plugot Machatz).
Since the foundation of the Hagana in 1920, its active members and commanders sought to establish an independent national enlisted force that would secure the Zionist settlement in Eretz Israel. Due to the Hagana's existence as an underground organization, this course was not pursued until the decision was made by the national Hagana HQ at its meeting on 15.5.41 – to establish a national enlisted force by the name of 'Striking Force' (Plugot Machatz.) Other pioneering attempts were made prior to this decision, such as "Hanodedet" (the Mobile Unit), Field Companies ("Posh"), and Special Units ("Pum"), which exemplified the same idea. For various reasons - financial, organizational and political - these units were small and were quickly dismantled.
Only during the Second World War did the proper conditions allow(ed) a full realization of the idea. The danger of war fronts approaching Eretz Israel from north and south increased the fear of a possible invasion by the Axis armies and/or an anti-Zionist, anti-British Arab revolt. This danger intensified the need for an independent Jewish force that would defend the Jews and their settlements. The common interest of both the British and the Zionists in fighting Nazi Germany and its allies created the "cooperation" with the British, who provided the Jewish force with the organizational framework and resources needed for its subsistence.
The order to found the Palmach (Emergency) Order No. 2) was part of a series of decisions made by the National HQ regarding an over-all organizational change in the Hagana, which was accepted in the absence of representatives from the "Civilian Bloc." The order stated that a nation-wide combat reserve force (as opposed to a militia force) will be established in subordination to the national command (as opposed to regional command). The order directed the establishment of nine striking companies, but only six ( designated ) Alef to Vav, were established in the spring – summer of 1941, recruiting Hagana members mainly from the Collective Agricultural Settlements (Kibbutzim and Moshavim), who were mostly ex Posh and Special Night)Squads (SNS) veterans. Yitzhak Sadeh, who had previously formed the Mobile Unit and commanded the Field Companies was assigned by the National HQ as HQ Officer in charge of training the companies, but was in effect the Palmach commander.
The Palmach marks its primary battle legacy by two military operations that occurred soon after its inception: the loss of 23 Hagana members, who were probably lost at sea on their way to a sabotage mission in Lebanon with their British officer, Major Plamer (18.5.41). The second was patrol and sabotage operations that led to the Australian army’s invasion of Syria and Lebanon on 7.6.41, in which Palmach detachments of original members took part, and which later became A and B Companies.
Only during the Second World War did the proper conditions allow(ed) a full realization of the idea. The danger of war fronts approaching Eretz Israel from north and south increased the fear of a possible invasion by the Axis armies and/or an anti-Zionist, anti-British Arab revolt. This danger intensified the need for an independent Jewish force that would defend the Jews and their settlements. The common interest of both the British and the Zionists in fighting Nazi Germany and its allies created the "cooperation" with the British, who provided the Jewish force with the organizational framework and resources needed for its subsistence.
The order to found the Palmach (Emergency) Order No. 2) was part of a series of decisions made by the National HQ regarding an over-all organizational change in the Hagana, which was accepted in the absence of representatives from the "Civilian Bloc." The order stated that a nation-wide combat reserve force (as opposed to a militia force) will be established in subordination to the national command (as opposed to regional command). The order directed the establishment of nine striking companies, but only six ( designated ) Alef to Vav, were established in the spring – summer of 1941, recruiting Hagana members mainly from the Collective Agricultural Settlements (Kibbutzim and Moshavim), who were mostly ex Posh and Special Night)Squads (SNS) veterans. Yitzhak Sadeh, who had previously formed the Mobile Unit and commanded the Field Companies was assigned by the National HQ as HQ Officer in charge of training the companies, but was in effect the Palmach commander.
The Palmach marks its primary battle legacy by two military operations that occurred soon after its inception: the loss of 23 Hagana members, who were probably lost at sea on their way to a sabotage mission in Lebanon with their British officer, Major Plamer (18.5.41). The second was patrol and sabotage operations that led to the Australian army’s invasion of Syria and Lebanon on 7.6.41, in which Palmach detachments of original members took part, and which later became A and B Companies.