Preemptive War in Israeli Doctrine: Theoretical Roots and practical Applications

Abstract

This research deals with the historical and intellectual development of preemptive war in Israeli military doctrine, in terms of its theoretical roots, intellectual foundations, and practical applications since the June 1967 war until the modern confrontations with non-state actors and Iran.  The research analyzes the profound transformations that have affected Israel's ability to initiate as a result of the changing nature of threats, the decline in the effectiveness of conventional deterrence, and the rise of irregular combat patterns.  The study concludes that pre-emptive war, despite being a central pillar of Israeli doctrine, is no longer a decisive tool as it was, and that the current strategic environment imposes a gradual transition towards a model of mutual deterrence that restricts Israeli freedom of action to an unprecedented degree