Public confidence in the IDF is a central social-national asset that enables the military to enlist support, resources, and quality manpower, particularly when civilian needs become prominent and threaten its seniority as a public system. Several recent events may reflect growing gaps between the public’s attitudes regarding how the IDF is managed and how the army presents itself. These events may hint at the decline in the level of confidence in the army on the part of the public and some of those serving in it, and also raise doubts regarding the awareness – or lack thereof – of the IDF’s commanders regarding the importance inherent in the relationship with Israeli society. With requisite confidence, modesty, and transparency, the IDF should take the initiative toward reducing the gap, in order to demonstrate to the public that it is still the army of the people, for the people.
Recent Challenges to Relations between the IDF and Israeli Society | INSS
