Israeli Military History in Tel Aviv

May 24th 2012

Those interested in military history and Israel have no shortage of exciting sites and museums to visit in Tel Aviv. Learn about the military force that later became the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) at the Hagana and Palmach Museums, check out a collection of items used by the Israeli army during the 1948 War of Independence at the Collection House, and see how this world famous military has developed since the British Mandate at the IDF History Museum.

Tel Aviv may have a reputation as a party town, but its historical place in the birth of modern Israel cannot be overlooked. For a taste of this, start with a visit to the Hagana Museum, also known as “Beit Eliyahu” because it is housed in the former home of Eliyahu Golomb. The museum is part biographical tribute to Golomb, who was one of the founders of the Hagana, which later became the IDF. The rest of the museum is dedicated to presenting the fascinating history of the development of the Hagana, from its founding in 1920 to its crucial role in the 1948 War of Independence.

To delve even deeper into Israel’s military history, head to Ramat Aviv, where you will find the Palmach Museum. Here you can learn about the Palmach, the elite strike force of the Hagana, through a moving and intriguing multi-media display. History truly comes alive at this museum, as actors dressed as Palmach soldiers take you through their training and experiences in the unit, and in this exciting moment of Israeli history.

With the official founding of the state of Israel in 1948, the Hagana and Palmach were dissolved in favor of the modern Israeli Defense Forces. At the Collection House, you can check out an impressive permanent collection of items used by the IDF in the early years of the country’s modern history. Get a glimpse into early army life with a display of their uniforms, eating utensils, weapons and even tanks. An informative and concise film provides greater insight into how the IDF was started and how it has changed over time.

Finally, lovers of Israel and history buffs won’t want to miss the Israel Defense Forces History Museum. Check out even more artifacts that were used throughout IDF history, and view rare photographs, maps, and other historical documents that will shed light on the development of the Israeli military. Their collection of weapons, many of which are quite rare, is notable as well.