Palmach Cave, Training cave in Mishmar HaEmek, Israel

Palmach Cave is a natural cave in dense woodland west of Kibbutz Mishmar HaEmek, in the Manasseh Plateau hills. Bedouin herders once used it, and kibbutz members found it after settling the land in late 1926. In 2013 sculptor Shuki Cohen installed six metal figures outside, one for each Palmach unit: the Arabists, scouts, saboteurs, religious soldiers, paratroopers and Germans.

The cave was used by Bedouin herders before kibbutz members found it in late 1926. From 1941 it served as a Palmach training site, chosen for its distance from main roads and British observation. Special units trained there, including the Arab Department (Mista'arvim) and the German Department. In April 1942 the first sabotage course for Palmach commandos was held at Mishmar HaEmek, with exercises in the wooded hills and at the Jo'ara base. After 1948 the cave was abandoned until kibbutz members renovated it in 1989.

The cave site contributed to the development of the Israel Defense Forces ethical code, emphasizing principles of mission dedication and personnel protection.

The site is a large fenced compound west of Kibbutz Mishmar HaEmek, lit at night and used as an educational base for the Gadna training programme, with tent camps and courses held there. Guided tours are led by a guide, and evening campfire gatherings are organised. A rope park is an additional attraction on the grounds.

The 2013 metal sculpture "Palmach Bonfires" by Shuki Cohen stands beside the cave, made of six figures for the Palmach units: the Arabists, scouts, saboteurs, religious, paratroopers and Germans, each with a bonfire marked "Palmach". The site is also used as an educational base for the Gadna programme, with tent camps and training.