With the resurfacing of the Altalena weapons ship of the Irgun, the controversies and story of its tragic ending have resurfaced as well. In this first part of a two part series on the Altalena story, the background of the Irgun’s position in the early days of the State of Israel is clarified, along with the background to the purpose and goals of the Altalena ship. What was the relationship between the Irgun and the new State of Israel? What was on the Altalena and who was it for? What took place during the first few weeks of the State’s existence that dramatically changed the fate of the Altalena? Who was to fight the War of Independence for the State of Israel - the newly founded IDF or prestate private politicized militias? 

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