HaMagen (defense organization)

HaMagen (Hebrew: המגן, "The Defender") was a Jewish defense organization in Mandatory Palestine, active primarily during the 1930s and early 1940s. It was largely composed of members of the Revisionist Zionist movement, and served as a smaller, more militant alternative to the Haganah, the main Jewish paramilitary organization at the time.

HaMagen’s origins can be traced to disillusionment within the Revisionist movement regarding the Haganah's perceived restraint in responding to Arab attacks. Members felt that the Haganah's defensive posture was inadequate and that a more proactive approach was necessary to protect Jewish communities. HaMagen thus advocated for retaliation and a more assertive defense strategy.

While smaller and less influential than the Haganah, HaMagen played a role in defending Jewish settlements, particularly in areas where Revisionist influence was strong. They engaged in activities such as guarding settlements, providing security for public events, and occasionally retaliating against Arab attacks.

The organization’s activities were controversial, even within the Jewish community, due to its more aggressive tactics. Relations between HaMagen and the Haganah were often strained, with disagreements over strategy and ideology.

HaMagen eventually merged with other Revisionist military organizations, including Irgun (Etzel), in the late 1930s and early 1940s, marking the end of its independent existence. Its members and tactics contributed to the growing militancy within the Revisionist movement and ultimately influenced the development of the Irgun's activities.