The Impact of Specifities of Civil-Military Relations in Israel on the Foreign and Security Policy of the Country

Abstract

In this paper, the author presents the history of civil-military relations in Israel, the maininstitutional aspects and the influence of the Israeli armed forces on politicaldecision-making, and the ideological and structural reasons. The way historical, societal,institutional, and political characteristics shape Israel’s, a foreign and security policy actor’s,features and behaviour are analysed. In addition, through presenting the military strategyemployed by the Jewish state, the limiting factors restricting the freedom of choice of theIsraeli leadership, especially in the area of foreign and security policy, which outlinethe state’s behaviour, are highlighted.