, Columnist
Israel’s Military Is World-Class. But Is It Ready?
Two conflicting verdicts on Israel’s military are stirring old anxieties.
Armed and ready.
Photographer: Jaafar Ashtiyeh/AFP/Getty Images
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The Israel Defense Forces are widely respected as a cutting-edge military machine. The IDF is equipped with extremely lethal cyberwar capacity, eyes-on-the-world intel, star-wars level missile defense systems, a justly famous air force, and a small but superbly trained cadre of special forces troops.
But a scathing critique of the IDF’s culture and readiness from a retired general has created a debate within Israel about whether the country has become complacent. It’s a debate worth having, even if some of the fears are likely overblown.