Introduction to the Stern Gang

The Stern Gang, also known as Lehi (“Lohamei Herut Yisrael,” or “Fighters for the Freedom of Israel”), was a Zionist paramilitary organization that operated during the British Mandate of Palestine. Active from 1940 to 1948, the group was founded by Avraham Stern after breaking away from the Irgun, another Jewish paramilitary group. Lehi is most famously remembered for its militant tactics, targeted assassinations, and its role in the struggle to establish the State of Israel. The Stern Gang’s history is both controversial and complex, raising questions about the use of violence in pursuit of political goals and the ethical dimensions of liberation movements.

The Founding of the Stern Gang

The Stern Gang’s origins can be traced back to ideological and strategic disagreements within the Irgun, a Zionist paramilitary group that sought to fight British control in Palestine and establish a Jewish state. In 1939, following the outbreak of World War II, the Irgun decided to suspend its operations against the British in order to support the Allied war effort against Nazi Germany. Avraham Stern, a charismatic and uncompromising leader, vehemently opposed this decision, arguing that the British were an occupying force and that the fight for Jewish independence should not be delayed, even during a global conflict.

In 1940, Stern and a small group of followers split from the Irgun and formed Lehi. The group’s motto, "Only Thus," emphasized their belief that armed struggle was the only viable path to Jewish independence. Stern envisioned a revolutionary movement that would fight not only the British but also any force he perceived as obstructing Jewish liberation, including Arab opposition and even international powers.

Ideology and Objectives

The Stern Gang was driven by a radical nationalist ideology rooted in the belief that the Jewish people had an inherent right to sovereignty in the Land of Israel. Lehi’s leaders saw the British as imperialist occupiers whose policies, particularly restrictions on Jewish immigration to Palestine, were directly harming the Jewish people, especially during the Holocaust. Lehi also rejected diplomatic and gradualist approaches advocated by mainstream Zionist organizations, such as the Jewish Agency and the Haganah.

Lehi’s objectives included:

1. The expulsion of the British from Palestine: The group sought to undermine British authority through armed resistance, propaganda, and targeted assassinations.

2. The establishment of a Jewish state: Lehi envisioned an independent Jewish state encompassing all of Mandatory Palestine and parts of neighboring territories.

3. Unrestricted Jewish immigration: The group opposed British immigration quotas and demanded the immediate opening of Palestine to all Jews fleeing persecution.

4. Revolutionary tactics: Lehi believed in the necessity of revolutionary violence to achieve their goals, drawing inspiration from other anti-colonial movements and revolutionary leaders.

Militant Tactics

The Stern Gang’s methods were highly controversial and often extreme. They employed guerrilla warfare, sabotage, and assassination to target British officials, military personnel, and infrastructure. These tactics were designed to demoralize the British authorities and galvanize Jewish support for armed resistance.

Some of Lehi’s most notable operations include:

1. The Assassination of Lord Moyne: In 1944, Lehi operatives Eliyahu Bet-Zuri and Eliyahu Hakim assassinated Lord Moyne, the British Minister of State for the Middle East, in Cairo. The killing shocked the British government and drew widespread condemnation, including from mainstream Zionist leaders like David Ben-Gurion.

2. The Bombing Campaigns: Lehi carried out a series of bombings targeting British military installations, government offices, and transportation infrastructure. These attacks were intended to disrupt British control and demonstrate the group’s determination.

3. The Assassination of Count Folke Bernadotte: In 1948, Lehi members assassinated Count Folke Bernadotte, a Swedish diplomat and United Nations mediator, who was negotiating a peace settlement during the Arab-Israeli War. Lehi opposed Bernadotte’s proposals, which they believed favored Arab interests.

Relationship with Other Groups

Lehi’s extremist tactics often put it at odds with other Jewish organizations in Palestine. The Haganah, the largest Jewish paramilitary organization, condemned Lehi’s actions as reckless and counterproductive. The Jewish Agency, which sought to present the Zionist movement as legitimate and non-violent, viewed Lehi’s activities as damaging to their diplomatic efforts.

Despite these tensions, Lehi occasionally cooperated with other groups, including the Irgun, particularly during the latter stages of the British Mandate. The groups collaborated in joint operations, such as the bombing of the British administrative headquarters at the King David Hotel in Jerusalem in 1946, an attack that killed 91 people and remains one of the most controversial acts of the pre-state period.

Internal Dynamics and Leadership

Lehi’s internal structure was characterized by tight-knit cells and a centralized leadership. Avraham Stern’s death in 1942, during a British raid, marked a turning point for the organization. After his death, Lehi was led by a triumvirate consisting of Yitzhak Shamir, Natan Yellin-Mor, and Israel Eldad. Shamir, who later became Prime Minister of Israel, played a key role in shaping the group’s strategy and ensuring its continued operations despite significant challenges.

Legacy and Controversy

Lehi’s role in the fight for Israeli independence remains a subject of intense debate. Supporters argue that their uncompromising stance and militant tactics were essential in forcing the British to leave Palestine and paving the way for the establishment of the State of Israel. Critics, however, contend that Lehi’s actions, particularly their use of violence against civilians and diplomats, undermined the moral legitimacy of the Zionist cause and tarnished the reputation of the Jewish national movement.

Lehi was formally disbanded in May 1948, following the declaration of Israeli independence. Many of its members went on to serve in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) or entered Israeli politics. The group’s legacy is commemorated in Israel, with streets and monuments named after Lehi and its leaders. However, their actions, particularly high-profile assassinations, remain controversial both within Israel and internationally.

Conclusion

The Stern Gang, or Lehi, played a significant but contentious role in the struggle for Israeli independence. Their militant tactics and revolutionary ideology set them apart from other Zionist groups, reflecting both the desperation and determination of a people fighting for survival and sovereignty. While their actions continue to spark debate, Lehi’s story offers valuable insights into the complexities of liberation movements and the ethical dilemmas of using violence to achieve political ends. As historians and scholars continue to explore this chapter of history, the Stern Gang’s legacy serves as a reminder of the profound challenges faced by those who seek to reshape the world through revolutionary means.