IDF Chief of Staff Outlines New Security Doctrine Post-October 7 Failures

Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir presented the IDF's new security doctrine to senior command staff, emphasizing the imperative to prevent and prepare for surprise attacks following the failures of October 7. Zamir stated that the IDF's future strategy will focus on readiness for surprise warfare, preemptive neutralization of threats, and increasing force size.

Zamir convened the senior command forum at Glilot camp on Sunday, ahead of the national day of remembrance for the October 7 events. The meeting focused on summarizing investigations, drawing lessons, and implementing them within the military. Participants included officers from the rank of brigadier general and above. The forum began with a moment of silence for those killed on October 7.

"We are examining the status of lesson implementation from the October 7 investigations, acknowledging the magnitude of the failure, while understanding that we must not dwell on it, but rather learn, draw lessons, improve, and move forward," Zamir said. He stressed that the events of October 7 continue to impact the IDF and that the primary duty is to ensure such an event never recurs. The year 2027 will be designated as the year for investigating the entire war.

The IDF's future security concept, Zamir explained, is being built around the assumption of readiness for surprise warfare, including preempting severe threats as they emerge. He directly addressed the army's performance on October 7, stating, "On October 7, the IDF failed miserably, but the IDF got back on its feet and proved itself to have a determined spirit and brought about a historic and unprecedented multi-arena victory."

Zamir highlighted the need to increase force size and expand Israel's security margins, noting that Israel is a small country geographically with no territorial depth, facing multi-arena threats. "The size of the IDF is our strategic depth," he asserted. He also declared that the IDF must act earlier against developing threats, stating, "Whoever threatens to harm us and builds the capabilities to do so, we will act in advance and strike them a decisive blow."

During the meeting, Zamir presented a commendation to a non-commissioned officer from Unit 8200 who had warned before October 7 about Hamas's preparations for a large-scale surprise attack. Zamir praised this individual's actions as an example of "intellectual courage and professionalism." He also emphasized the importance of encouraging free expression and critical thinking within the military, forbidding a culture of condescension or intellectual tyranny. Zamir concluded by stating the IDF is in a state of "constant readiness" amid current tensions.