Quote Originally Posted by baboon6 View Post
Do you know if the Israelis consciously modeled their system on the German one (seems unlikely but you never know) or if it just developed that way?
From my own enquiries, it appears that the idea that officers have to prove themselves in the ranks comes from Palmach.
Because the Israelis lacked the British "class" and private education system, you had to prove yourself to be a leader. They were also strongly socialist in ideology, so merit was strongly emphasised. All that conspired into the modern system you see today.