Day 455 - Why the IDF abandoned the offensive and ended up with Oct. 7
Jan 3, 2025
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Lazar Berman, a diplomatic reporter for The Times of Israel with expertise in military operations, dives into the intricate evolution of the IDF. He explains how Israel's military began as both a defensive and offensive entity, crucial for independence. Berman addresses the strategic missteps leading to the October 7 failure, highlighting shifts from ground warfare to air power. He also touches on cultural dissent among reservists, reflecting broader societal impacts on military preparedness. Gain insights into the changing face of Israel's defense strategies.
The evolving strategic focus of the IDF transitioned from a primarily defensive force to an emphasis on offensive military operations.
Technological advancements and changing warfare dynamics prompted a significant shift in Israel's military philosophy towards air power and civilian safety.
Deep dives
The Origins of the IDF and its Dual Role
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) was established in May 1948, but its roots trace back to earlier defensive groups like the Haganah since 1920. Many Jews who immigrated to pre-state Israel gained military experience through foreign armies, especially the British forces during World War I and World War II. This experience played a crucial role in shaping the IDF, providing early soldiers with professionalism. Additionally, underground organizations like the Palmach contributed to the evolving ethos of the army, reflecting its transition from a primarily defensive force to one engaged in organized, offensive military operations.
Strategic Military Concepts in Early Years
Israeli leadership, particularly David Ben-Gurion, faced the challenge of defending a small nation amidst larger adversaries. He recognized the need for a military strategy that emphasized swift, offensive actions to avoid attrition warfare that could overwhelm Israel's smaller forces. The strategic concept focused on using deterrence, robust intelligence, and decisive victories to achieve quick outcomes in conflict scenarios. This approach aimed at concentrating military might to defeat adversaries quickly, thereby limiting prolonged engagements that would drain resources and manpower.
The Evolution of Warfare and Military Doctrine
By the late 1970s and 1980s, Israel's military strategy started evolving due to emerging technologies and changing warfare dynamics. The realization that traditional ground maneuvering could result in heavy casualties led to a shift towards air power and precision strikes, as seen in Operations like Mole Cricket 19 during the Lebanon War. As the military addressed guerrilla tactics and unconventional warfare, reliance on technological superiority began to shape a new military doctrine. This shift was influenced by global military trends, as Israel adapted its strategies to increase operational efficiency and minimize losses.
Impact of Domestic Politics and Technology on Military Operations
The introduction of the Iron Dome system and a greater emphasis on protecting civilian populations marked a significant change in Israel's military philosophy. This shift reflected the need to balance offensive military objectives with civilian safety, resulting in a reliance on air power rather than ground engagements. As political leadership moved away from strictly military backgrounds, public discontent with military operations and strategies became more pronounced, leading to a call for reforms within the IDF. Consequently, these developments have mirrored societal changes in Israel, affecting the future approach to military conflict and national defense.
In today's special longer Friday episode, Berman charts the evolving essential purpose of the IDF, starting with its origins. He speaks of the push-pull of a fledgling organization as both a defensive and offensive body.
We learn how the fight for Israel's independence crystallized the need for an easily maneuverable fighting machine that would not hinder the Jewish state's need for a stable economy.
Berman explains how first prime minister David Ben-Gurion's solutions worked well -- until with the shifting tides of warfare, they really didn't.
In this podcast, the first installment of a two-part conversation, we hear how after a series of wars and political decisions, the stage was set for the IDF's catastrophic failure on October 7.
For news updates, please check out The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog.
Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves.
IMAGE: A detachment of Haganah soldiers overlooking Acre relaxes on May 21, 1948, after the three-day fight for the city, which surrendered on May 18. 1948. (AP Photo/FN)