IDF's new strategy: All borders must have buffer zones, defense achieved through offense - Yonah Jeremy Bob

 

by Yonah Jeremy Bob

Unlike before October 7, the Israeli military decided it would achieve most of its defensive needs by preemptive offense going forward.

 

IDF operates in the buffer zone between Israel and Syria on December 13, 2024.

(photo credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON'S UNIT)

 

The IDF high command, presided over by IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir held a special session with other top commanders across the military to carry out a full strategic review of security challenges facing Israel, with no similar such in-depth session having taken place in around two years.

Some of the most important conclusions from the session were that, from now on, all Israeli borders must have a built-in buffer zone 

Israel has accomplished this to date in Gaza, Syria, and Lebanon.

There is less of a clear buffer zone with Egypt and Jordan, though Jerusalem has peace with those two countries.

In addition, aspects of the 1978 Egypt-Israel Camp David Accords still limit how much Egypt's military deploys near Israel's border.

Police at the scene where three Israelis were killed in a terror shooting attack at Allenby bridge, a crossing between West Bank and Jordan, September 8, 2024 (credit: YONATAN SINDEL/FLASH90)

 

 

Jordan has a much smaller and less potentially threatening military, and the Jordan valley forms somewhat of an additional buffer zone for much of Israel, while not protecting small Israeli villages in the valley.

Both Egypt and Jordan have also seen small-scale penetrations into Israel of smugglers or terrorists.

Offense is best form of defense, IDF decides

The IDF also said that, unlike before October 7, it will achieve most of its defensive needs by preemptive offense.

Currently, in Gaza, Syria, and Lebanon, IDF forces periodically continue to attack potentially hostile forces to prevent them from reconstituting larger threats they pose to the Jewish state before the current war.

Yonah Jeremy Bob

Source: https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-861842

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