Session 2: Missile Defense: Strategic Considerations
Conference: "The Critical Need for Missile Defense for Israel's National Security: A US-Israel Forum" hosted by the Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs and the Israel Missile Defense Association
Session 2: "Missile Defense: Strategic Considerations"
Speakers:
Chairman: Prof. Uzi Arad (Founding Head of the Institute for Policy and Strategy (IPS))
In his introduction, Prof. Arad discusses the two separate issues of the threat of missiles and rockets in Israel, and the military technique of missiles against missiles. Prof. Arad also discusses the urge for defense in Israeli behaviour that has led to intensive security measures such as gas mask distribution, walls and security fences, the Iron Dome, and more. However, he argues that defense is not the most promising position and often depends on efficiency, budget and context, while not necessarily increasing deterrence and the need for compromise.
Maj. Gen. (res.) David Ivry (Former commander of the Israel Air Force and Ambassador of Israel to the United States)
In his presentation, Maj. Gen. Ivry presents his opinion (contrary to that of the Israel Air Force) on the need for active defense, rather than passive defense (e.g. bunkers). He argues that active defense is critical because strategic depth is currently non-existent, and an increase in active defense will better enable the offensive situation.
Maj. Gen. (res.) Herzle Bodinger (Former Commander of the Israel Air Force)
In his presentation, Maj. Gen. Bodinger discusses the need for active and passive defense, as missile to missile to defense is extremely expensive and can still cause large amounts of damage. After Iraq sent missiles into Israel during the Gulf War Israel began to increase its defensive measures. This has increased as terror organizations, particularly Hezbollah and then Hamas, began targeting innocent Israeli civilians. Bodinger goes into detail about the wars with Lebanon and Israel's retaliation and defensive tactics. Bodinger also discusses the danger of Iran and its terrorist proxies, Hezbollah and Hamas.