Eran Ortal, "Battle Before the War: The Inside Story of the IDF's Transformation" (Dado Center, 2023)

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Oct 20, 2024

Eran Ortal, an Israeli brigadier-general (Res) and military theorist, discusses the evolution of the IDF's strategies in the face of modern conflicts. He emphasizes the need for the military to adapt to changes in technology and societal dynamics. Ortal critiques traditional reliance on deterrence, advocating for innovative approaches to non-state actors like Hezbollah and Hamas. He also delves into the ethical complexities of urban warfare in Gaza and the importance of enhancing military intelligence for better frontline decision-making.

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Intro

00:00 • 5min

The Evolution of IDF Strategy

04:42 • 13min

Transforming Military Leadership: From Tactics to Operations

17:23 • 2min

Evolving Military Strategies: Adapting to Non-State Actors

19:29 • 21min

Transforming Military Intelligence: The Evolution of the IDF

40:29 • 2min

Enhancing Military Intelligence: Lessons on Processing and Accessibility

42:15 • 4min

Warfare Ethics in Gaza

46:39 • 13min

A critical challenge for militaries is preparing for future, not past, wars. History shows that success often depends on accurately interpreting and harnessing technological and societal changes. In the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), this transformation process has been ongoing, with Brigadier General Eran Ortal as a key advocate for a new paradigm. Many ideas developed by Ortal and his colleagues have recently shaped the IDF's force-building programs.

The Battle Before the War: The Inside Story of the IDF's Transformation (Dado Center, 2023) compiles a decade of critical intellectual work produced during active service, uniquely combining theoretical discussions on military innovation with insider insights into IDF deliberations. It offers an essential perspective for understanding the IDF's internal debates and current development. Moreover, the book serves as a mirror to the ongoing conflicts between Israel and Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran, providing valuable context for understanding the military strategies and challenges in these contemporary engagements.

Eran Ortal is an Israeli brigadier-general (Res) and renowned military theorist who has made significant contributions to strategic thinking in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). Ortal's military career spans over three decades, during which he served in various critical roles, including combat intelligence and operational planning. His academic background in history, political science, and security studies complements his practical military experience. Ortal is perhaps best known for his tenure as the commander of The Dado Center for Interdisciplinary Military Studies, where he fostered innovative military thought and strategy. He is also the founder and editor of "Bein Ha-ktavim" (Between the Poles), an influential journal published by the Dado Center. Since retiring from the IDF in 2023, Ortal has continued to shape military and technological strategy through his work with prestigious think tanks and as an educator at Reichman University. His unique blend of military experience, academic rigor, and strategic insight makes him a valuable voice in discussions on modern warfare and defense strategy.

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