A Breakthrough in Zionist Military Conceptions: 1936–39

Abstract

When the Arab Rebellion began in 1936, the High Command of the Haganah (the Jewish defence forces, under the jurisdiction of the Zionist political leadership) consisted of a so-called ‘parity’ committee of six public figures. The committee was divided equally between three labour (Histadrut) representatives, and three representatives of the conservative elements. No military headquarters were established alongside the national High Command, because the political leadership feared the potential institution-alisation of the Haganah, as a professional military force that might challenge the authority of the elected political leadership. Neither was any chairman elected to supervise the High Command.