the United States, the USSR, and Eastern European countries like Hungary, Poland, and
Bulgaria. This support was driven by multiple factors, including the widespread influence
of Zionism, the geopolitical importance of Israel as a bulwark against the Arab world, and
the collective desire to provide a homeland for the Jewish people in the aftermath of the
Holocaust. Israel's defense and security strategies evolved rapidly after the 1948 War of
Independence, as the country faced continuous threats from neighboring Arab states.
The ongoing conflicts, such as the Suez Crisis in 1956, the Six-Day War in 1967, and the
Yom Kippur War in 1973, were critical in shaping Israel’s military doctrines. Each of these
conflicts not only secured Israeli territorial gains but also reinforced its strategic alliances,
particularly with the United States, which has remained a cornerstone of Israel's security.
Through these wars, Israel developed an advanced military-industrial complex, enabling
it to maintain one of the most technologically sophisticated and effective defense systems
in the world (Koen, 2017).
The rise of modern threats, including terrorism and regional instability, has further
refined Israel's security strategy (Yevseiev et al., 2022). The Palestinian issue,
particularly the status of Gaza, remains at the heart of Israel's security concerns. This
issue not only fuels conflicts with neighboring Arab nations but also contributes to the
broader instability in the Middle East. Iran, a regional power with strategic interests in
challenging Israel's existence, has become a key adversary. Iran's pursuit of nuclear
capabilities, coupled with its support for groups like Hezbollah and Hamas, has deepened
the divide between the two nations. Israel’s security policy, therefore, is shaped by its
need to counter Iran’s nuclear ambitions and its support for proxy militant groups, which
Israel perceives as existential threats.
In addition, Israel’s military strategy has adapted to new threats, including asymmetric
warfare and cyber threats. The country’s advanced technological capabilities, including
its renowned Iron Dome missile defense system, have played a crucial role in mitigating
attacks from Hezbollah, Hamas, and other militant groups. Israel has also become a
global leader in cybersecurity, creating a robust defense against cyberattacks that could
target critical infrastructure.
Israel’s international role today is multifaceted, extending beyond military and defense
matters. The country has established itself as a key player in international diplomacy,
particularly through its alliances with Western powers like the United States and its
growing relationships with former Arab adversaries, such as the UAE, Bahrain, and Saudi
Arabia, following the normalization of relations under the Abraham Accords. This shift
represents a significant change in the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East,
highlighting Israel’s strategic importance in regional stability and security. Israel’s
security strategy is not just a response to immediate threats but a complex, evolving
framework shaped by its historical experiences, regional challenges, and global
partnerships (Koen, 2017). Its role in contemporary geopolitics is firmly anchored in its
defense capabilities, its alliances, and its strategic position in the Middle East, which
continues to influence global security dynamics. The evolution of Israel’s military and
security strategies has made it a powerful, resilient state with a profound impact on both
regional and global politics.