May 15, 1941
The Palmach Is Established
Historical context
On May 15, 1941, the Haganah national command ordered the Palmach formed as a countrywide combat reserve.
Archive record
Read the event, then follow its documented sources and archive threads.
- Date
- May 15, 1941
- Verified sources
- 2
- Archive threads
- 7
On this day, the Haganah national command decided to establish the Palmach, Plugot Hamahatz, as a countrywide enlisted combat reserve. The Palmach records that the founding order, Emergency Order No. 2, called for nine companies under national rather than regional command. Six companies were formed that spring and summer. Yitzhak Sadeh was assigned to train them and in practice commanded the force.
The Israel Defense Forces record that the Palmach later took part in immigration to Palestine, the struggle against British rule, and the War of Independence, and that its methods remained part of the army after the state was established.
Research trail
Sources and further reading
- Palmach · Palmach Museum View source
- Establishment of the Palmach · Israel Defense Forces · Israel Defense Forces View source
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