Page 55 - INSS | 2019-2020

Confidence in the Security Establishment

Jewish respondents only

93% 86% 80% 53%

IDF Mossad Israel Security Agency Israel Police
Findings from the INSS National Security Index, November 2019

Conclusion

From an analysis of the changes in the operational environment and the IDF’s response to them emerges the urgent
need to finalize a new multi-year plan for the IDF to replace (likely somewhat late, given the political crisis) the Gideon
plan, starting in 2020. Such a plan, including a multi-year budget, must be approved by the government.

Furthermore, there is a need to be prepared for a multi-theater war as a main reference scenario, both regarding the
exercise of force and military buildup. Such a scenario heightens the need to close gaps in the public’s expectations
of war in the current era and its possible results. It also requires deepening the discussion on the current meaning
of the terms “defeating the enemy” and “victory” and the way to achieve them in such a war. “Defeating the enemy”
by means of overwhelming military action to beat the enemy has not disappeared from the world, and the IDF
may need to do so. Therefore, along with the continued correct emphasis on the large-scale exercise of firepower
based on precise intelligence, the IDF must also have maneuvering capabilities that can cope with changes in the
characteristics of war, with the current mode of action of Israel’s enemies, and with the changes in Israeli society
and its attitude toward war and the costs it incurs.

IDF Spokesperson’s Unit

Neutralization of Hezbollah’s attack tunnels on the Lebanese border, December 2018.
Demonstrated drive for forces to infiltrate into Israel emphasizes the importance of initiative to uncover enemy capabilities.

THE OPERATIONAL ENVIRONMENT 53