Israel Defence Force: a Retrospective Study for Prospective Regional Defence Challenges

Abstract

Israel Defence Forces (IDF) comprises of Army Command, Navy, Air Force, Corps, Brigades and Advisory units. The underlying Doctrine is Prepare for Defence and moves to counter-attack. Military heritage, democratic principles, tradition of Jewish people and value for dignity of human life are the four pillars of spirit of IDF. The IDF operational concept encompasses both offensive and defensive strategies. Analogous to a 'sword and shield', the crux of the concept is to proactively respond to threats posed by the State of Israel and protect its population from criminal activities. This paper seeks to review the strategy and tactics behind the security fence project implemented to thwart physical and missile-based attacks from West Bank. Statistics envisage that on implementation of the barrier, the average attacks declined from twenty six to three per year. Furthermore, an impact risk analysis will be carried out with regard to the Iron Dome which counters aerial attacks from Judea, Samaria and Syria. Qualitative and quantitative data analysis is used. The Operational strategy from a conceptual viewpoint has multiple implications. Minimum disruption for population density, infrastructure, procurement, archeological, environmental and humanitarian concerns, land ownership, continuity and simplicity of maintenance are inter alia ramifications of the strategy. Defence techniques are executed in compliance with international law and military justice. State-owned subsidiaries and private companies render technology know-how for operational purposes. The Diplomatic strategy is negotiation and conciliation. On the basis of aforesaid findings, this paper proposes a potential framework to implement a pragmatic defence intelligence system. Israel Supreme Court on a ruling held that 'Israel is in a difficult war against rampant terrorism. It is acting on the basis of its right to self-defence'. Ultimatum is to ascertain how effectively and efficiently 'cannons' speak in establishing Shalom (peace) in Israel and the region of Middle East.