Plan Dalet in the Context of the Contradictions of Zionism

Abstract

Plan Dalet played an important role in the Palestinian mass flight in April and May 1948. The question of the Zionists' intention with regard to this is still the subject of scholarly debate. The central thesis of this article is that Plan Dalet and the Zionists' intention should be evaluated in the context of the contradiction between Zionism's moral and national ideals. This context is introduced with some examples from the history of Zionism in general. The interpretation in this context provides a fuller and more consistent explanation of Plan Dalet than a context that disregards either of Zionism's ideals.