REVIEW: ‘The Art of Military Innovation: Lessons from the Israel Defense Forces’ by Edward N. Luttwak and Eitan Shamir
Israeli soldiers prepare shells near a mobile artillery unit (Amir Cohen/Reuters)
Reading a book about Israel’s military excellence in the aftermath of a devastating military and intelligence failure is no easy task. Especially when that book is published by Harvard University, which has been embroiled in an ongoing anti-Semitism scandal. However, amidst the recent Hamas attack on October 7, it is crucial not to forget the story of Israel’s military innovations.
Israel has been at the forefront of military technology, introducing game-changing innovations such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and the revolutionary Merkava tank. They have developed systems like the Trophy active protection system and the helmet-mounted display used in the F-35 fighter jet. The remarkable Iron Dome missile defense system has successfully intercepted thousands of rockets.
Iron Dome’s success in neutralizing threats from the skies and preventing commando tunnels from being dug into Israel through advanced technology gave Israel a significant advantage. However, it was ultimately brute force and a disinformation campaign that allowed Hamas to invade southern Israel, resulting in the loss of many lives.
Despite these challenges, Israel’s culture of military innovation remains relevant. The country’s small population has necessitated the creation of a reserve-centered military force, drawing upon the commitment and resources of its people. The Israel Defense Forces, known as the “people’s army,” have a morale that is currently soaring, even in the midst of a tough war.
According to Edward Luttwak and Eitan Shamir in their book The Art of Military Innovation: Lessons from the Israel Defense Forces, Israel’s agile armed forces thrive due to the assignment of large responsibilities to low-ranking officers. This has fostered rapid problem-solving and innovation on the battlefield, as seen in the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Israel’s ability to swiftly develop and deploy new systems is impressive. Iron Dome, for example, went from concept to successful interception in just five years. However, Israel faces limitations in scaling up due to its small size and limited financial resources. This led to the establishment of the Operations Technology Working Group, a collaboration between Israel and the United States to leverage Israeli innovation with American production capabilities.
The special relationship between the two countries transcends political tensions and is now more important than ever. While the Biden administration has expressed support for Israel, the challenging optics of the current war may impact future support. This could potentially drive the need for domestic production of weapons.
Israel’s military philosophy of “plans are merely a basis for changes” reflects its constant adaptation and innovation. However, this culture of innovation can also have unintended consequences, as some weapons developed by Israel end up in the hands of its enemies.
As Israel fights for the safety and security of its citizens, the innovation continues. Reports suggest that new systems developed within the first three months of the war will soon be unveiled, breaking records set in the past.
As Luttwak and Shamir emphasize, the key to innovation lies in removing the authority of the old over the new. The Art of Military Innovation: Lessons from the Israel Defense Forces by Edward N. Luttwak and Eitan Shamir is a must-read for those interested in understanding Israel’s remarkable military achievements.
The Art of Military Innovation: Lessons from the Israel Defense Forces by Edward N. Luttwak and Eitan Shamir Harvard University Press, 288 pp., $35
Jonathan Schanzer, a former terrorism finance analyst at the United States Department of the Treasury, is senior vice president for research at the nonpartisan think tank Foundation for Defense of Democracies.
What role does intelligence play in driving military innovation within the Israel Defense Forces?
Ept to operational in just a few years. This can be attributed to the Israeli military’s emphasis on adaptability and flexibility, as well as their close partnership with the technology industry. The book delves into the unique relationship between the Israel Defense Forces and the country’s defense industry, highlighting how collaboration and knowledge transfer have been vital in driving military innovation.
One of the key takeaways from the book is the importance of combining military expertise with civilian expertise. Israel has effectively leveraged its highly educated and technologically advanced civilian population to meet the challenges of modern warfare. The military often recruits individuals with specialized knowledge and skills, such as scientists and engineers, to develop and refine their technological capabilities. This integration of civilian and military expertise has resulted in a feedback loop of innovation and continuous improvement.
Additionally, the book emphasizes the role of intelligence in military innovation. Israel’s intelligence agencies, such as Mossad and Shin Bet, play a crucial role in gathering information and providing strategic guidance to the military. The authors argue that intelligence-driven decision-making has been instrumental in shaping Israel’s military doctrine and operational tactics. The ability to accurately assess threats and anticipate enemy actions has given Israel a significant advantage on the battlefield.
Furthermore, the book explores the concept of asymmetrical warfare and how Israel has adapted to this unconventional form of conflict. The authors argue that Israel’s ability to leverage its technological prowess and innovative military strategies has allowed it to effectively defend itself against larger, more conventionally armed adversaries. The lessons learned from Israel’s experiences in asymmetrical warfare can provide valuable insights for other nations facing similar challenges.
While the book focuses primarily on military innovation in the context of Israel, it also offers broader lessons that can be applied to other countries and organizations. The authors highlight the importance of organizational culture, leadership, and the ability to learn from failures as key factors in driving innovation. They argue that a culture that encourages experimentation, rewards creativity, and fosters a learning mindset is crucial for military organizations to stay ahead of evolving threats.
In conclusion, “The Art of Military Innovation: Lessons from the Israel Defense Forces” provides a comprehensive analysis of Israel’s military innovation and offers valuable insights for both military professionals and scholars. It provides a nuanced understanding of the factors that contribute to Israel’s military success and offers practical lessons that can be adapted by other nations. Despite its controversial context, the book serves as a testament to Israel’s ability to adapt, innovate, and overcome challenges in a rapidly changing security landscape.
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