Col. (res.) Hanan Shai: At the end of the previous century, the IDF transitioned into an “army of deterrence.” This shift meant the military chose to leave enemy formations intact across the border, relying on retaliatory strikes to alter the enemy’s willingness to fight, rather than their physical capacity to do so. This approach proved catastrophic as Hamas and Hezbollah developed substantial maneuvering ground forces capable of launching surprise invasions.
You cannot defend a thin border that was organized against terrorists.
The current situation, characterized by a prolonged war reliant on reservists, is the direct consequence of failing to achieve rapid military victories. He [the chief of staff] should first start with what he needs to do, shorten the wars. If he shortens the wars, then there won’t be such a big manpower problem.
Published in JNS, April 11, 2026.
*The opinions expressed in Misgav publications are the authors’ alone.
