ABSTRACT
In March 1960, the well-known British military commentator, Liddell Hart, told Israeli senior officers that the greatest danger facing the IDF was the fact that it was a victorious army. Successful armies usually swell with exaggerated self-confidence, and prepare for future wars in the pattern of their past victories. The IDF had then fought two wars and won two victories; since then, two more have been added. The impressive Six Day War, and the frustration of Arab plans for the War of Attrition and the terrorist organizations. Israel’s cup of self-confidence overflowed, especially after the Six Day War. Victory made Israel arrogant. The Yom Kippur War proved that Liddell Hart’s warning had come true.
