Thirty-five years ago, Israel narrowly survived a surprise attack by Egypt and Syria. Back then, Egypt was the greatest threat to Israel until it inked a 1979 peace treaty with the Jewish state.
Israel no longer faces the threat of conventional warfare from Arab states. Today, new threats loom. The specter of a nuclear Iran is of particular concern. Israel must also prepare for massive rocket barrages. In 2006, thousands of Hezbollah Katushyas forced 220,000 persons in Israel’s North to live in bomb shelters. Hamas now poses similar threats. It has used the recent ceasefire with Israel to improve its rocket capabilities. Thousands of rockets launched from Gaza could paralyze Israel’s South.
The anniversary of the Yom Kippur War is a stark reminder that Israel faced dangerous foes in the past. It must adapt to new realities to triumph over new enemies.
