Israel’s Grand strategy: From Survival to Regional Dominance in the Middle East
As its inception in 1948, Israel’s actions, from military operations in Gaza to its posture toward iran, reflect a strategic pursuit of regional dominance and security. In international relations, this approach aligns with realism, where states prioritize their survival and influence within an anarchic global system.
The Realist Lens: Israel’s Security Imperative
Realism posits that nations act rationally to ensure their security and advance their interests. Given its history of conflicts and perceived threats, Israel has long viewed itself as a state under siege, justifying a focus on military strength and strategic alliances. This is not to endorse any specific action, but to contextualize behavior within a framework of national survival. As of early 2024, Israel continues to assert its security interests proactively, adjusting tactics to meet evolving challenges.
In essence, the realist viewpoint suggests morals are secondary to national self-interest.
From “A State At Any Cost” to Shaping the Region
Initially, the overarching grand strategy of Israel was survival and state-building, encapsulated by the phrase “A State at Any Cost.” The focus was on consolidating territory and ensuring a Jewish demographic majority. Over time, this evolved into actively shaping the regional environment to prevent future threats and secure long-term dominance.
By the late 20th century, Israel’s grand strategy shifted from mere survival to actively reshaping the Middle East to ensure its regional dominance.
Early Territorial Consolidation and Demographic shifts
In 1948, Plan Dalet involved coordinated actions to secure territory, often resulting in the depopulation of Palestinian villages. While framed as self-defence, archival documents reveal an intent to reshape demographics to favor a Jewish-majority state. This early strategy laid the groundwork for future policies focused on territorial control and demographic engineering.
The Yinon Plan and “Clean Break”: Blueprints for Dominance
The 1982 yinon Plan advocated for fragmenting neighboring Arab states along ethnic and sectarian lines to ensure Israel’s unchallenged regional hegemony. This concept resurfaced in the 1996 Clean Break paper, which recommended military pre-emption, regime change in Iraq, and a forceful reassertion of Israeli deterrence. The core idea was that Israel’s long-term security depended on reshaping the Middle east’s political map.
Pro Tip: Understanding thes ancient documents helps to contextualize current Israeli policies and their long-term strategic goals.
21st-Century Policies: Occupation, Settlements, and Military Campaigns
The strategic orientation shaped by the Yinon Plan and Clean Break has continued into the 21st century.this includes policies such as: occupation, settlement expansion, and military interventions. these are viewed as components of a coherent vision: a Greater Israel, secured through military dominance and the deliberate weakening of regional rivals.
- Occupation and Settlement Expansion: Continued control and expansion in the West Bank.
- Military Interventions: Repeated campaigns in Gaza to degrade Hamas and deter regional actors.
- Diplomatic Efforts: Normalizing relations with Arab states without resolving the Palestinian issue.
Gaza Blockade and Military operations
Following Hamas’s 2006 electoral victory, Israel and Egypt imposed a blockade on Gaza, leading to repeated military campaigns. These operations aimed to degrade Hamas’s capabilities while maintaining control without direct reoccupation. Each instance also served as a demonstration of israeli deterrence.
west Bank Settlements and Annexation
Settlement expansion in the West Bank has become a core state project, fragmenting Palestinian territory. By 2020, Israeli leaders openly discussed annexation. Even though formal annexation paused, de facto annexation continues, aiming for irreversible control with minimal Palestinian sovereignty.
Abraham Accords: Bypassing the Palestinian Issue
The 2020 Abraham Accords normalized relations between Israel and several Arab states, bypassing the Palestinian issue. This reflected a strategic goal of realigning the region around shared security and economic interests, especially opposition to Iran.
Did You Know? the Abraham Accords shifted regional dynamics by creating alliances based on mutual interests, sidelining the Palestinian issue.
The October 7th Attacks and Future Trajectory
The October 7, 2023, attacks and Israel’s subsequent military response in Gaza represent a critical juncture. Some Israeli leaders advocate for full reoccupation of Gaza and the expulsion of its population, echoing historical settler-colonial logic. Even with international pressure,the focus remains on overwhelming force and managing-not resolving-the Palestinian question.
Whether through settlements, sieges, or diplomatic strategies, Israel’s grand strategy continues to prioritize Jewish sovereignty, demographic control, and regional dominance.
Israel and Iran: Competing for Regional Hegemony
Israel’s operations regarding Iran aim to neutralize threats and cement its position as the Middle East’s dominant power. Some analysts suggest that the removal of the Iranian regime woudl solidify Israel’s regional hegemony, especially if the U.S. reduces its military presence. A U.S. ground invasion in Iran is unlikely, but potentially could change the dynamic in the region.
According to a June 18th, 2025, *Foreign Policy* article, Israel had established military dominance over its Arab neighbors and is now asserting the same degree of superiority over Iran, its one remaining regional threat.
| Grand Strategy Element | Description |
|---|---|
| territorial Control | Maintaining control over strategic territories, including the West Bank and Gaza |
| Demographic engineering | policies aimed at ensuring a Jewish demographic majority |
| regional Fragmentation | Efforts to weaken and divide neighboring Arab states |
| Military Dominance | Maintaining a strong military to deter threats and project power |
| Strategic Alliances | Forming alliances with countries sharing common interests, such as containing Iran |
If the regime in Iran were to be removed, Israel would undoubtedly be the dominant power in the Middle East.
evolving Grand Strategy: Adaptations and Enduring Objectives
Israel’s grand strategy has consistently adapted to shifting regional dynamics and global pressures while maintaining core objectives. These include:
- Pursuit of enduring security through territorial control.
- Demographic engineering to maintain a Jewish majority.
- Regional fragmentation to prevent the rise of powerful adversaries.
Whether through war, diplomacy, or settlement, the primary goal has been to secure the dominance of a Jewish state in a challenging environment. This involves shaping, rather than being shaped by, geopolitical realities.
Frequently Asked Questions about Israel’s Grand Strategy
What do you think about Israel’s strategic objectives? How might these strategies evolve in the coming years? Share your thoughts and comments below.
