Jabotinsky

Ze'ev Jabotinsky (October 18, 1880 – August 3, 1940) was a Russian Empire-born Jewish writer, orator, and political leader who founded Revisionist Zionism, a nationalist current within Zionism that argued for a Jewish state on both sides of the Jordan River and a strong military defense. Born in Odessa, he became active in Zionist circles in the early 20th century, organizing Jewish self-defense during pogroms and founding Betar, a Zionist youth movement promoting Hebrew revival and Zionist ideals.

In 1923, Jabotinsky anchored Revisionist Zionism as a formal movement within the Zionist movement, advocating a more assertive approach than the mainstream leadership. Revisionists called for larger territorial claims, including areas beyond the designated Arab zones, and a strong navy and army to guarantee security. His writings, including the Iron Wall essay, argued that Jewish political power must be built to secure acceptance and that concessions alone would not resolve the Arab–Israeli conflict. He supported the formation of the Jewish Legion to serve with the British in World War I, aiming to bolster Jewish political influence and advance Zionist aims.

His activism in the 1930s contributed to the development of a right-wing Zionist current, and his ideas influenced Israeli political life. Notably, the Herut party founded by Menachem Begin in 1948 traced its roots to Revisionist Zionism and later evolved into Likud. Jabotinsky died in Tel Aviv in 1940. His legacy remains a reference point in debates over Zionist strategy and statehood.