ABSTRACT
This chapter describes the various rationales underlying the IDF's offensive military doctrine. It argues that the doctrine is traditionally offensive at the operational and tactical levels, despite Israel's consistent adherence to a defensive strategic posture. The chapter considers those doctrinal changes that are required in order to enhance the IDF's capability to prevent and to terminate wars. It presents into two categories: those of a general and universal nature, and those that are unique to the Israeli context. A number of key considerations informed the heavy emphasis on the air force in Israeli military planning and force structure. In the Golan Heights in particular, a Syrian attack in the course of which the Syrians move out of their well-prepared defensive positions and advance upon IDF defenses, is thus a necessary and desirable prelude to an Israeli counteroffensive into Syrian territory. The IDF continues to enjoy a significant qualitative edge over the Syrian military.
