From Strategic Stalemate to Strategic Initiative

The end of 2014 witnessed a change in Israel’s regional status and discredited one of Israel’s fundamental policy assumptions – that it is possible to stand on the sidelines and build a protective wall to prevent the spillover of regional unrest into its borders. Operation Protective Edge in Gaza; the rise of “lone wolf” terror activity in the West Bank; clashes between Palestinians and Israeli security forces and civilians on the Temple Mount; the formation of the Islamic State in the ISIS-occupied areas of Iraq and Syria; the inspiration that the group provides for jihadist groups and individuals throughout the Middle East; the discovery of ISIS-loyal jihad organizations and cells within Israel and near its borders – all these attest to the need to formulate an updated policy in line with local and regional trends and developments.