IDF Assesses Three Years of War, Citing Gains and Reforms

Three years after the October 7th attacks, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has released figures detailing the scope of combat across various fronts and the reforms implemented in response to lessons learned. Since the war began, approximately 100,000 targets have been attacked, including some 65,000 in the Gaza Strip, 28,000 in Lebanon and Syria, and 4,500 in Iran. Concurrently, the IDF has introduced numerous changes to its defense, intelligence, and combat systems. During the war, Israel faced approximately 10,200 projectiles from Gaza, 20,000 from Lebanon, 1,200 from Iran, 50 from Syria, and 90 from Yemen. The IDF also reported that 970 soldiers have fallen in operational circumstances, with over 70% of wounded soldiers returning to service. Significant activity was also noted in Judea and Samaria, with over 3,800 weapons seized and approximately 45,000 wanted individuals apprehended or detained. Additionally, over 46 million shekels designated for terrorism were confiscated.

A major focus of the IDF's post-war assessment has been intelligence reform. The Intelligence Directorate (אמ"ן) has redefined its primary mission as providing early warning against war and threats to Israel, updating its warning concepts, strengthening warning rooms, and developing new models. The IDF emphasizes a shift in intelligence culture, promoting skepticism, critical evaluation of existing assessments, and identification of information that contradicts expectations.

Security components have been significantly upgraded along Israel's borders. In the Southern Command, security measures near Gaza have been enhanced with the establishment of about 40 observation posts and a physical barrier incorporating above and below-ground technological capabilities. Since the ceasefire last October, over 4,000 drills have been conducted to detect underground infrastructure.

In the Northern Command, a defensive strategy centered on proactive operations and threat neutralization before they reach Israeli territory has been established. In southern Lebanon, substantial progress has been made along the first line of villages, and a forward security zone with ten posts has been created in Syria. The number of defense personnel in northern communities has tripled, and rapid response units have been formed.

The reserve forces have also undergone significant changes. Since the war's outbreak, the reserve force has grown by approximately 36%, with new frameworks established to meet operational needs. In August 2024, about 22,000 reservists previously exempt from service were recalled, and thousands more will be assigned to active units in 2025 and 2026. The average reserve service currently stands at 80 to 100 days per combat unit, compared to a planned 55 days annually. The Air Force, Operations Directorate, and Home Front Command have also adapted their readiness for surprise scenarios and multi-front warfare, with some Air Force units increasing their readiness by up to six times.