The Ukrainian state has already shown that it has the potential to adapt key Israeli approaches to its security and democracy.
“I am confident that our security will be the 'number one problem' in the next 10 years,” Zelensky added.
Russian forces have retreated from the outskirts of Kyiv. This means that Ukraine has successfully repulsed the first phase of the Kremlin invasion. So it's time for Zelensky to think about how to prepare for the next and potentially much longer phase of the war. But what did he mean when he spoke of “Greater Israel”? Former US Ambassador to Israel Daniel Shapiro writes about this in an article for the Atlantic Council.
With more than four times the population and much smaller territory, the Jewish state may not seem like the best example to compare. However, if we look at the regional threats it faces, as well as the highly mobilized population, we can conclude that countries have more in common than they seem. So if Zelensky really sees Israel as a model for Ukraine, here are the key things to borrow.
Security above all . Every Israeli government promises to take care of security first. And every government knows that it will be evaluated in this area. Ordinary citizens, not just politicians, are closely monitoring threats both from abroad and within the country. Most of the society makes its choice only on this one criterion.
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The whole population plays a role. The Israeli model goes much further than Zelensky's vision of security services in public space. Most young Israeli adults serve in the military. And many of them continue to work in security areas after service. A common goal unites citizens, makes them ready for a common sacrifice. Civilians understand their responsibility to adhere to security protocols and to contribute to the common cause. Some are even arming themselves for this (albeit under close supervision). The large-scale mobilization of Ukrainian society for collective defense shows that the country has a similar potential. In his comments, Zelensky reiterated this reality when he said that the source of security will be “strength in every home, every building, every person.”
Self-defense is the only way. If there is one principle that can illustrate Israel's security doctrine, it is that Israel will defend itself. And in the battles will not rely on any of the countries. The tragedies of Jewish history have engraved this lesson deep in the souls of the people. Ukraine's own trauma, which has to fight on its own with a much larger aggressor, confirms a similar conclusion: one should not depend on the guarantees of others.
However, it is worth maintaining an active defense partnership . Self-defense does not mean complete isolation. Israel maintains close ties with partners, most notably the United States, which provides generous military assistance. As well as with other countries with which Israel shares intelligence, technology and training. Although Ukraine is unlikely to join NATO any time soon, it could deepen its defense partnership with Allies, receive aid, weapons, intelligence, and conduct training to enhance self-defense.
Dominance of Intelligence . From the first days of its existence, Israel has invested heavily in intelligence to be able to identify and deter its enemies. And when necessary, strike to protect yourself from them. Ukraine will have to upgrade its intelligence services to compete with Russia's capabilities and make sure it is ready to prevent and repel Russian attacks.
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Technology is the key . Although Israel relies on US assistance, it is also choosing its own technological solutions to address many of the biggest challenges. Multi-level anti-missile systems, protection against drones, tunnel detection technology – all these are just the latest examples. Ukraine has already become a home for bright technological minds. She knows better than any of her partners what threats are looming over her. Investing in our own solutions will allow Ukraine to be more sensitive and adapt to new threats.
We need to build an innovative ecosystem . Training in high-tech innovation, which many Israelis receive while serving in the military, is also developing a civilian innovation ecosystem. And this, in turn, allows the development of new technologies in the field of security. Ukraine does not lack talented programmers and engineers (many of whom work for Israeli startups). Encouraging the free exchange of talents and ideas between the civilian and defense innovation spaces will bring long-term benefits to both security and the economy.
Democratic institutions should be supported . Israel is still dealing with the problem of ending its conflict with the Palestinians, looking for a way to ensure security and respect for Palestinian self-determination. But in Israel itself, its continued focus on security has not prevented it from maintaining democratic institutions and practices. Zelensky seems to understand that the tension will continue for a long time and will require attention. However, democracy is a must.
“An authoritarian state is impossible in Ukraine,” he said.
Like Israel in its early wars, Ukraine seems to have been able to eliminate the acute threat to its existence. But the war is not over. The Ukrainian government will be able to confidently address the critical challenges to national security and build a state as stable as Israel if it adapts Israeli approaches to chronic threats.
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