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Strategic Deterrence Has Its Limits

(Israel Hayom) Prof. Daniel Schueftan - It is important not to develop unrealistic expectations from Israel's impressive success with strategic deterrence. Given the massive motivation of Israel's enemies to harm it, one should not expect existing deterrence to ward off the constant provocations by radical Arab elements, nor can it prevent the development of serious threats. Israel's efforts to generate and maintain deterrence have succeeded in ensuring wide gaps between rounds of hostilities, as well as in minimizing the damage they inflict, but they have not and cannot produce a constant lull. Arab societies have chosen to deny the legitimacy of Jewish sovereign existence. The radicals among them are addicted to violence and are worshiped for inflicting terror and agony. Even among themselves, Arabs in the region tend to resort to violent measures. They have no qualms about using violence against Israel and are only reluctant to do so when they fear its retaliation. The problem is that irresponsible radical elements in the region enjoy the support of millions of people. Many "get a kick" out of these radicals' ability to harm Israel. Iran is more than happy to back anyone who is willing to inflict harm. In the coming generations, Israel can expect repeated flare-ups on its borders. Israel and its public will have to develop increased resilience to near-constant, low-intensity provocations. The writer is chairman of the National Security Studies Center at the University of Haifa.
2019-11-27 00:00:00
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