Economic Elements in Israel’s National Security Doctrine

Abstract

The state of Israel was founded in war, and national security concerns played prominent role in shaping its development throughout the years. Security conditions have affected the social fabric, the political setting, individual life-styles, and in effect almost every aspect of life; they have certainly had substantial impact on Israel’s economic development. The main defense economics issues that have been on Israel’s national agenda over the years are dealt with in chapter 4. In this chapter, however, the focus is on influence in the opposite direction, i.e. influence of economic considerations on Israel’s national security doctrine and defense thinking.