Meir Finkel Libri

The commander, or chief of staff, of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) is a prominent public figure in Israel. His decisions, advice, and persona exert direct influence on force design and military strategy, and indirectly impact social, economic, and foreign affairs. This first-ever in-depth comparative study on the role and performance of the IDF chiefs of staff throughout modern Israel’s history offers lessons for practitioners and students of strategy, military history, and leadership everywhere.

On Flexibility presents a force planning concept that will enable armies to cope with the growing diversity of battlefield requirements, and especially with technological and doctrinal surprises, through applied adaptability and flexibility, minimizing the over dependence on intelligence and prediction involved in this process today.

Focusing on the Israel Defense Forces, the book examines the challenges of transitioning from peace to wartime operations in a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape. It highlights the mental shift required for combat readiness, the need for quick resolution of military concepts as conflict arises, and the integration of new weapon systems during war. Additionally, it addresses balancing tactical success in low-intensity conflicts with preparation for high-intensity warfare. This study provides valuable insights for military leaders, strategists, and policymakers on enhancing readiness and agility.