A New Issue of Israel Defense: The Drums of War are Beating
The 42nd issue of Israel Defense magazine comes amid the rising tensions between Israel and Hamas in the southern sector and the increasingly frequent incidents opposite Syrian and Iranian forces in the north. Is Israel headed for wide-scale confrontation?
IsraelDefense
| 13/08/2018
Photo credit: Meir Azulay
The summer of 2018 has faltered, for several long weeks, on the brink of war on two of Israel’s fronts – opposite the Gaza Strip in the south and opposite Iran and Bashar al-Assad’s military in Syria. The firing of a rocket followed the shooting down of an aircraft or UAV, a heavy Israeli bombardment or “just” a border incident and arson attacks. Through the smoke, it is difficult to keep track of the intensive pace of the individual events.
In the north – the imminent end of the civil war in Syria has positioned Israel in an unacceptable situation: Hezbollah and Iranian forces deployed in areas adjacent to the international border fence. Israel demands the complete removal of the presence of these forces from the area as a prerequisite for any future arrangement regarding Syria.
In the south – the events of the last few weeks raised concerns that Hamas and Israel have embarked on a collision course leading to yet another large-scale confrontation in the Gaza Strip. The launching of rockets, the terror kites, and the weekly riots along the border fence have all indicated that Hamas must have decided to push for a confrontation with Israel, for the purpose of resolving the internal problems it faces in the Gaza Strip – a colossal economic and social crisis. Admittedly, Israel is not interested in escalation, but is ready to face any scenario.
Against this background, Israel is facing a dilemma in the Gaza Strip: Is the Hamas rule still preferable to the one of other factions, or is it time for a strategy shift? Former ISA official Lior Ackerman examines this dilemma in a special article in the new issue.
Also, an Israel Defense correspondent accompanied the warfighters of the IDF Nesher Battalion, who are tasked with providing combat intelligence along the Gaza Strip.
Issue 42 also features a special retirement interview with IAI CEO Joseph (Yossi) Weiss, who completes a six-year term at the helm of one of Israel’s largest defense industries.
Also in this issue:
“Simulating you Onward”: The world of training simulators is advancing to the maximum extent that current technology allows. Special visit to the IAF’s 320th Squadron
Within Striking Distance: The Iranian missile program, which was not discussed in the context of the JCPOA, could one day establish Iran as a significant nuclear power in the region
The Syrian Phoenix: The Syrian military has embarked on a process of reconstruction and rehabilitation after a bloody civil war that lasted several long years
Adapting to the changing battlefield: The IDF is compelled to develop methods of operation and capabilities that would enable it to adapt to the current reality. One such capability is hybrid warfare
On Troubled Waters: The British Navy has an illustrious, centuries-old history, but in the last decade, Britain’s command of the sea has failed to remain relevant
The 42nd issue of Israel Defense magazine comes amid the rising tensions between Israel and Hamas in the southern sector and the increasingly frequent incidents opposite Syrian and Iranian forces in the north. Is Israel headed for wide-scale confrontation?
Photo credit: Meir Azulay
The summer of 2018 has faltered, for several long weeks, on the brink of war on two of Israel’s fronts – opposite the Gaza Strip in the south and opposite Iran and Bashar al-Assad’s military in Syria. The firing of a rocket followed the shooting down of an aircraft or UAV, a heavy Israeli bombardment or “just” a border incident and arson attacks. Through the smoke, it is difficult to keep track of the intensive pace of the individual events.
In the north – the imminent end of the civil war in Syria has positioned Israel in an unacceptable situation: Hezbollah and Iranian forces deployed in areas adjacent to the international border fence. Israel demands the complete removal of the presence of these forces from the area as a prerequisite for any future arrangement regarding Syria.
In the south – the events of the last few weeks raised concerns that Hamas and Israel have embarked on a collision course leading to yet another large-scale confrontation in the Gaza Strip. The launching of rockets, the terror kites, and the weekly riots along the border fence have all indicated that Hamas must have decided to push for a confrontation with Israel, for the purpose of resolving the internal problems it faces in the Gaza Strip – a colossal economic and social crisis. Admittedly, Israel is not interested in escalation, but is ready to face any scenario.
Against this background, Israel is facing a dilemma in the Gaza Strip: Is the Hamas rule still preferable to the one of other factions, or is it time for a strategy shift? Former ISA official Lior Ackerman examines this dilemma in a special article in the new issue.
Also, an Israel Defense correspondent accompanied the warfighters of the IDF Nesher Battalion, who are tasked with providing combat intelligence along the Gaza Strip.
Issue 42 also features a special retirement interview with IAI CEO Joseph (Yossi) Weiss, who completes a six-year term at the helm of one of Israel’s largest defense industries.
Also in this issue:
“Simulating you Onward”: The world of training simulators is advancing to the maximum extent that current technology allows. Special visit to the IAF’s 320th Squadron
Within Striking Distance: The Iranian missile program, which was not discussed in the context of the JCPOA, could one day establish Iran as a significant nuclear power in the region
The Syrian Phoenix: The Syrian military has embarked on a process of reconstruction and rehabilitation after a bloody civil war that lasted several long years
Adapting to the changing battlefield: The IDF is compelled to develop methods of operation and capabilities that would enable it to adapt to the current reality. One such capability is hybrid warfare
On Troubled Waters: The British Navy has an illustrious, centuries-old history, but in the last decade, Britain’s command of the sea has failed to remain relevant
