EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: What are the lessons for IDF force build-up following the Hamas attack on October 7 and the Iron Swords War? A recent article by Prof. Azar Gat concludes that “there is no need to increase the scope of the forces and the existing force build-up should be continued, the main [element] of which is investments in technologies that are the key to the advantage of the IDF on the battlefield and for the current achievements.” We do not agree with this conclusion and believe it to have negative strategic consequences. The continuing inability of the IDF to realize the goals of the current war is mainly the result of a lack of ready and available maneuvering units, a lack that military technology cannot compensate for no matter how good it is. If the IDF is to be able to fulfill its responsibilities, it needs more well-trained maneuver divisions to resurrect the territorial defense organization as well as maintain technological superiority.
Israel Update: ONE LAW FOR ELITES, ANOTHER FOR THE MASSES
Gadi Taub & Mike Doran | Tablet | June 1, 2024
Turmoil in Israel over a video of a reservist soldier addressing Prime Minister Netanyahu, and telling him that the army his behind him, but also calling on Minister of Security Gallant to resign if he is not determined to win this war, and that if he does not, the army will not follow him. The press filled with outrage against this “sedition.” An investigation was promptly launched. Meanwhile, the newly elected leader of the tiny Labor Party, General Yair Golan, called on reservists not to report to duty until the government calls for new elections. Mike and Gadi discuss. (We apologize for the poor sound quality on Gadi’s side).



Russian-US relations deteriorated further than ever in late May as a result of three developments. First, the US set the ball rolling by 












