Israel’s innovation as a main pillar of defence planning

Israel is part of a select group of small countries considered to be leaders in military innovation. The first part of this chapter presents Michael Raska’s comprehensive model of military change and how it is applied to measure Israel’s innovation across three dimensions, providing an analytical framework for comparative analysis. Next, the chapter explores the cultural drivers that enable Israel’s innovation. These drivers are divided into primary and secondary factors. The ‘no choice’ mentality and scarcity create a national cultural tendency to improvise, serving as primary drivers. Secondary drivers include the unique conscription model, the role of reserve forces and a uniquely structured military-industrial complex. Moving on, the third part of the chapter presents current debates regarding its future force development, along with Israel Defense Forces’ (IDF’s) five-year force development plan. This plan aims to transform the IDF by leveraging state-of-the-art technologies. However, it also highlights some limitations imposed by the country’s status as a small state with budgetary constraints and a constant need to divert attention to immediate security concerns. The constraints became evident during the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, prompting a potential shift in emphasis within Israel’s defence planning. The chapter offers a comparative analysis using Raska’s model and discusses how military innovation is impacting Israel’s grand strategy and its standing in its region.