The Israeli Option in Strategy

[SteveMetz]

Steve,

The problem I have with this theory is its primary underlying assumption: That the "Israeli" option works in stand alone fashion. That is not the case and has not been the case since the October 1973 War. Israeli strategy, military, and economics are very much tied to the assumption that the US will back up their use of a thunderbolt strategy.

I see your strategy here as a twist on preemption theory, something else that has been borrowed in large degree from the Israelis.

Bad theory and worse results.

Tom

I take your first point but on the second there still seems to be an underlying assumption that Israeli strategy has failed. Given the challenges and threats they face, I think you can make a case that it has made them remarkably secure at an acceptable price.