Israel's Military

Israel Defense Forces (IDF) is the most technologically advanced and proficient military in the Middle East, yet it defends a nation that is at both a geographic and demographic disadvantage. This page covers emerging trends in IDF development and offers insight into how Israel’s forces stack up against those of its neighbors and regional competitors.

Key Analysis

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Israeli soldiers wait at the entrance of Kibbutz Nahal Oz

Israel: Tackling Hamas Before Hezbollah

April 9, 2008 2154 GMT

Israel is planning to invade the Gaza Strip, Israeli sources told Stratfor on April 9. This will provide Israel a chance to deal with Hamas before it moves on to settling scores with Hezbollah. [more]

Geopolitical Diary: An Israeli 'Turning Point'

April 7, 2008 0312 GMT

Israel launched a major, nationwide military exercise on Sunday, code named Turning Point 2. That name is meant to send a message to the Israeli public -- and to Israel's adversaries. [more]

Syrian Soldiers Loading a Tank in Lebanon in 2005

Israel, Syria: Military Posturing and Rumors of Troop Movements

April 4, 2008 2154 GMT

Israeli and Syrian military officials continue to deny that any unusual Syrian troop movements have been taking place since April 3. [more]

Israel, Lebanon: Hezbollah's Problematic New Rocket

March 27, 2008 1644 GMT

Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) officials revealed March 27 that the Lebanese militant organization Hezbollah has obtained rockets with a range of 185 miles with Iranian assistance. [more]

Israel, Hezbollah: Gearing Up for Another War?

March 4, 2008 1903 GMT

A number of indications suggest that Israel and Hezbollah could be readying themselves for a military confrontation in Lebanon in the near future. [more]