This article traces the relatively late evolution of the Hebrew term hachra’a [decision] in its military context in Israeli society and examines the ensuing conceptual confusion. It also points out the many original and borrowed meanings that have been attributed to this term over the years in military contexts and elaborates on the dangers inherent in this trend, especially obfuscation of the meaning of “victory.” This conceptual failure is expressed not only in the IDF’s language, but also, and more critically, in IDF doctrine. Hence, resolving the confusion created between the term hachra’a and the term victory can help not only by restoring the meaning of victory to its rightful place in the military context, but also by clarifying Israel’s security concept.
From “Decision” to “Victory”: Resolving the Confusion in Israeli Military Terminology – INSS
