The Times of Israel Daily Briefing Day 573 - Ben-Gurion's anguish upon the founding of Israel
May 1, 2025
Haviv Rettig Gur, Senior Analyst at The Times of Israel, delves into the psyche of David Ben-Gurion on Israel's Independence Day in 1948. He shares insights from Ben-Gurion's diary, revealing his anxieties amid a nation on the brink of survival. The discussion touches on the Altalena Affair – a painful moment in Israeli history – and parallels current divisions in Israeli society to those of its founding. Rettig Gur emphasizes the need for united leadership in facing both internal and external challenges today.
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Ben-Gurion’s Foreboding on Independence
- On May 14, 1948, Ben-Gurion declared Israel's independence knowing war would break out immediately.
- He foresaw the dire battle for Jerusalem and the harsh realities awaiting the new state.
Mourning Amidst National Joy
- Ben-Gurion mourned amid national joy, aware of the impending war and its sacrifices.
- The Jewish state faced overwhelming external threats from coordinated Arab armies and internal dissent.
Unifying Israel’s Militias
- Multiple Jewish militias existed, leaking weapons and creating factional conflict after independence.
- Ben-Gurion insisted on unifying all forces into the IDF to avoid civil war and create a proper state army.