Israel\u27s New Military Doctrine

This paper examines the changes in Israel\u27s strategic thinking since 1980. We can distinguish two stages in the development of the Israeli strategic thinking since the 1973 war: the first in the 70s and the second starting in 1980. In the first period, Israel perceived its political isolation and great dependence upon the United States, which reduced its freedom of action. Furthermore, Israel needed time to rebuild its army and its confidence. Israel lost some of its deterring power, but it felt that its borders still provided the country a margin of security which could be enhanced by incorporating some military and political arrangements. Demilitarization and tripwire arrangements were sought after