The Strategic Decline of Israel's Defense

The discussion highlights the long-term decline in Israel's strategic capacity to defend itself, with emphasis placed on mistakes dating back to the 1980s. A key example is the 1982 invasion of Lebanon, intended to combat the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) but resulting in the emergence of Hezbollah, a formidable enemy for Israel. The invasion, which led to an 18-year occupation, not only failed to eliminate the PLO threat but also transformed the security landscape by fostering the rise of Iranian-backed militias. This event is framed as a pivotal moment when Israel's ability to enact effective and sustainable strategic policies began to deteriorate.