David Ben-Gurion Signed Letter to IDF Chief of Staff Mordechai Makleff – Blueprint for Israel’s Modern Army (1952)

Oficial letter
An exceptionally rare two-page letter on official Prime Minister’s Office stationery, personally signed by David Ben-Gurion and dated December 8, 1952, addressed to Major General Mordechai Makleff, then Chief of Staff of the Israel Defense Forces.

In this historic document, Ben-Gurion outlines his strategic vision for rebuilding and reorganizing the IDF in the aftermath of the War of Independence. He calls for efficiency, discipline, and unity, demanding that the army serve as “a loyal and disciplined instrument of the State” and not as an independent body.

Among his directives:

“All thousands within the army who are not essential must be released.”
“The permanent force must advance through training and ability.”
“Preparations must be made for compulsory service for every youth aged 14–18.”

Ben-Gurion insists on integrating education, logistics, and manpower, emphasizing coordination between military and civilian sectors — a plan that laid the foundation for Israel’s modern “people’s army.”

This letter was sent to Mordechai Makleff, whom Ben-Gurion personally recruited to serve as Chief of Staff for one year (1952–1953) to implement these reforms and restore order to the young army.

Details:

• Date: December 8, 1952

• Signed by: David Ben-Gurion (in brown ink)

• Recipient: Major General Mordechai Makleff, IDF Chief of Staff

• Pages: 2 full typed pages on official Prime Minister’s Office letterhead

• Language: Hebrew

• Content: Strategic directives on restructuring, manpower, education, and national service

• Condition: Excellent preservation with original signature and government seal

• Rarity: Extremely rare; few official letters signed by Ben-Gurion with detailed military instructions are known to exist

A cornerstone document from Israel’s formative years — a signed declaration of how Ben-Gurion envisioned the army, the state, and the future of the nation.