IDF Adopts New Combat Doctrine Based on October 7 Lessons

The Israeli military (IDF) has developed a new combat doctrine and operational concept, informed by the "painful and tragic lessons" of the October 7, 2023 Hamas attacks. The updated approach shifts the paradigm from the Air Force acting solely in a supporting role for ground forces to a fully integrated partnership between air, naval, and ground forces in border defense.

Recent IDF drills simulated extreme scenarios, including simultaneous multi-directional attacks, large-scale ground raids, sea-based infiltrations via personal watercraft and uncrewed vessels, heavy artillery barrages, missile strikes, and drone threats. The core scenario emphasized readiness for defense collapses or massive surprise attacks, moving beyond reliance solely on pinpoint intelligence.

The new Air Force concept prioritizes immediate, proactive engagement with overwhelming firepower within the first hour of an incident, rather than waiting for ground requests. This includes the rapid deployment of a critical mass of aircraft and reduced response times, facilitated by an automated infrastructure designed to halt invasions and "slow down the situation" before a full picture emerges. A helicopter squadron has been relocated to northern Israel to support this, and squadron commanders are coordinating directly with ground battalion commanders.

Particular attention is being paid to the southern and eastern sectors, including the Eilat region and Highway 10, where unique geographical and demographic factors necessitate complex responses to threats ranging from ground assaults to mass casualty events. The area faces potential attacks on hotels, strategic sites like the Eilat-Ashkelon pipeline, and the airport. With tourist numbers potentially tripling to over 100,000 during the upcoming holidays, security forces, including the IDF, police, Magen David Adom (MDA), and emergency services, have coordinated responses. Additional army units and reserves are being deployed, while regular army forces in the south will maintain full strength.

The updated doctrine also aims to push threats away from populated areas by establishing forward security zones deep within enemy territory. This reflects a strategic shift away from allowing enemy forces to operate close to Israeli civilians, as was the case with Hamas near the Gaza border prior to October 7. Drills now include simulating attacks on enemy command centers deep within enemy territory.

Future plans involve advanced electronic systems, updated rules of engagement, enhanced camouflage, and robust air and sea space control to counter drones and uncrewed vessels. The article also notes that IDF arsenals are depleted and that Prime Minister Netanyahu had not responded to warnings for a year.