Publications

The fourth article in INSS memorandum no. 159, “Military Service in Israel: Challenges and Ramifications,” which deals with the historical development of the motivation for service in the IDF. The focus of the discussion is Gal’s distinction between the motivation for combat service and the motivation for conscription. The article identifies four types of motivating factors: a) the motivation of survival, which characterizes individuals in societies facing an existential threat; b) ideological motivation, which is influenced by national identity, the struggle over values, convictions regarding the justness of a specific path, and the desire to fight for that path; c) normative motivations, based on the principles that are generally accepted in society; and d) individualistic motivations, stemming from the inductees’ desire for self-fulfillment. Gal examines these issues as reflected in the history of the State of Israel prior to and since its establishment, and asserts that during each period most Israelis have been characterized by different motivations. According to Gal, the motivating factors are currently mixed and based primarily on individualistic factors, in addition to the ideological factors motivating some social sectors, such as the Jewish religious circles. Gal believes that this controversial situation carries with it the potential for a collision of values, which is a phenomenon better suited for a volunteer army – first, in which one soldier enlists to enjoy himself, second, to serve his homeland, and third to earn a salary – but is not suitable for the traditional conscription model of a people’s army.