Changes in Israel’s strategic environment and the threats the country now faces require a systematic reexamination of the military component in the national security of the state. This examination must include the principle of force application and the components of the force buildup in light of the changes in threats. These questions of force buildup and application will have a decisive impact on the IDF’s readiness to provide an appropriate response to the spectrum of threats it currently faces.
The research field will address the range of IDF action, which includes contending with the conventional threat and with threats of terrorism. Focus is likewise on the development of an IDF response, both offensive and defensive, to the threat of high trajectory missiles and rockets targeting the state’s civilian home front. In addition to these issues, the research field will address the need to confront the potential dangers presented by the nonconventional threat, first and foremost that posed by Iran.
The research field will examine the interface and interaction between the IDF and the state political system, while addressing the resulting implications for the decision making process regarding force buildup and use. In addition to the focus on the IDF, the research field will consider aspects relating to universal military research, based on the assumption that this research can play a significant role in deepening the foundation of knowledge in this realm.
IDF Chief of Staff Force Buildup Challenges