After 78 years: Altalena ship found intact on seafloor decades after being sunk by IDF

The wreck of the Altalena ship, sunk 78 years ago during a pivotal clash between the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the Irgun paramilitary group, has been discovered intact on the seafloor. The announcement was made by National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and the Heritage Ministry.

Ben-Gvir described the discovery as "closing a historical circle on one of the most painful and formative events in the history of Israeli society." He emphasized that the find is the culmination of years of secret intelligence and operational work. "Today – the fruits of the intelligence and operational effort have borne exciting fruit for the sake of historical truth, the memory of the fallen, and unity with Israel," he stated.

“

Tonight we are closing a historical circle on one of the most painful and formative events in the history of Israeli society.

The Altalena incident occurred in June 1948, shortly after Israel's declaration of independence. The ship, carrying weapons and immigrants, was intended for the Irgun but became a point of contention with the newly formed IDF, which sought to consolidate control over military forces. The ensuing confrontation led to the ship being shelled and sunk off the coast of Tel Aviv, resulting in casualties and deepening the divisions within Israeli society at the time.

“

We have been dealing with this issue secretly for many years, and today – the fruits of the intelligence and operational effort have borne exciting fruit for the sake of historical truth, the memory of the fallen, and unity with Israel.