Haganah

The Haganah was a Zionist paramilitary organization established in Palestine in 1920 during the British Mandate. It became the principal military organization of the Zionist movement before 1948. Its organizational and military capabilities expanded significantly during the 1930s and 1940s, and it included various units, most notably the Palmach. Several military brigades that later took part in operations against Palestinian towns and villages also emerged from its structure.

During the Nakba and the occupation of Palestine in 1948, Haganah forces carried out a series of military operations within broader plans, including Plan Dalet, and participated in the occupation and depopulation of numerous Palestinian villages and towns. After the establishment of Israel in May 1948, the Haganah became the principal organizational foundation of the newly formed Israeli army.