IDF Overhauls Defense Doctrine After October 7 Hamas Attack

Israel's military, the IDF, has fundamentally revised its defense doctrine following the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. The "tragic experience" of that day has prompted a reevaluation of combat approaches, with lessons learned forming the basis of a new operational concept for the IDF and other Israeli security agencies, according to the Ynet news portal. The changes represent a significant departure from the previous doctrine, which viewed the Air Force primarily as a support element for ground forces during enemy incursions. The updated concept integrates the Air Force, Navy, and Ground Forces as equally important and interconnected components of Israel's border defense system.

Recent IDF training exercises have focused on complex scenarios, including simultaneous multi-directional attacks. These drills simulated large-scale ground raids, sea landings using jet skis and unmanned vessels, intense artillery and rocket barrages, and drone attacks. Commanders were trained to operate not only with precise intelligence but also under conditions of sudden, large-scale assaults or defensive breaches.

The new Air Force operational concept shifts away from solely providing point support to ground units upon request. Instead, aviation is expected to engage proactively in combat and utilize its firepower within the first hour of a crisis. Senior command sources indicate that protecting ground borders with combat aircraft, including helicopters and attack drones, has become a primary focus of the reform since the October 7 investigations.

The Air Force has developed an automated system to rapidly deploy air power and intercept incoming threats, even before a complete picture of the situation emerges. To bolster readiness in the north, a helicopter squadron has been redeployed. Squadron commanders have also met with battalion commanders to coordinate operations and better understand ground force objectives. Particular emphasis is being placed on the southern and eastern fronts, with exercises near Eilat and Highway 10 simulating responses to ground, air, and sea attacks, strikes on strategic sites, and mass casualty events.

Earlier, the "Cursor" news outlet reported that the IDF had advised the government against preemptive strikes on Yemen's Houthis, favoring diplomatic measures amid the Iranian-backed group's increasing control over the Red Sea.