Major James Larry Fields on the Irgun

Historical observers of the Irgun are unable to arrive at a consensus that Irgun members were all either heroes or criminals.  To [Menachem] Begin, the members were heroes and martyrs.  Most Israelis view Irgunists as complicating the struggle to establish Israel and tarnishing its moral posture.  From the Arab perspective, they were terrorists, brutal and ruthless, representing the real essence of Zionism.

Begin, even today, is regarded by British and Arabs as a terrorist not deserving the respect due a statesman.  Begin remains an influence on the Likud Party and a person to be reckoned with from both inside and outside the Knesset. 

The foundation and security of the State of Israel were guaranteed in part by the unavoidable terror of the underground. It is unlikely that either the British or Arabs would have voluntarily surrendered their control over what today is called Israel.  History has shown that nations are created and sustained through armed action.  The bold and aggressive actions of the Irgun serve as an effective historical example for organizations that aspire to achieve independence.  The Irgun has served as the role model for the Irish Republican Army (IRA) and the Palestine Liberation Organization headed by Yassir Arafat.

~ Major James Larry Fields, USA, "Irgun Zvai Leumi: The Jewish Terrorist Element of the Arab-Israeli Conflict," Air Command and Staff College student report, April 1985