Rudolf Sonneborn

The project received full backing from David Ben-Gurion, who viewed it as a crucial element in preparing the defense forces for the upcoming War of Independence.

Zaslani, a close advisor to Ben-Gurion, argued that the Yishuv needed to prepare for a dual confrontation: first against the British and then against the Arab states following their withdrawal.

The Secret Meeting in New York and the Formation of the Network At the end of the discussion, the participants resolved to establish the "Sonneborn Institute", which operated covertly within the United States.

Makhon Z’ Operations and Its Impact on the War For nearly two years, the network functioned in secrecy, circumventing legal restrictions that prohibited the transfer of military equipment to non-governmental entities.

The supplies obtained through the institute enabled the rapid organization of an effective fighting force, significantly influencing the outcome of the battles in 1948 and securing the Yishuv’s military advantage in the War of Independence.