Since October 7, 2023, the IDF has not become an “offensive” army in the sense of a classic army of conquest. It has become an army that seeks to defend Israel through the offensive initiative, prevention, depth and disorganization of the enemy before he can reconstitute a threat.

1. The real break: the end of the “risk management” doctrine

Before October 7, Israel lived partly on a logic of containment: monitor Gaza, contain Hamas, strike punctually, restore deterrence, and then return to a form of precarious calm. The shock of October 7 destroyed this belief. An overly optimized posture for surveillance, control, and defensive reinsurance, but not enough for operational initiative.

Israel no longer just wants to intercept the threat; it now wants to prevent its reenactment. It is no longer just “to protect the border”; it is to create a depth, strike enemy infrastructure, and prevent Hamas, Hezbollah or other actors from rebuilding offensive capabilities near the borders.

2. Israel is not abandoning defense: it........

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