Examining the Transformation of Israel's Military into a Professional Force through the Lens of Huntington's Civil-Military Relations Theory

Abstract

The concept of "civil-military relations" pertains to the interaction between a nation's armed forces. Huntington's theory encompasses a normative component that defines the clear boundaries separating civilians from military personnel. The research examines if Huntington's arguments are relevant in the contemporary context of the events of October 7, 2023 and the failure of the IDF to protect the country from the south border with Gaza. It is argued that a new strategy for civil-military relations is essential because the IDF's reliance on high-tech solutions must be reconsidered from strategic and political standpoint, as examined by this research.