Israel plays a crucial role in the global defence and political landscape, particularly due to its strong alliance with the United States. The ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas underscores this significance. However, Israel’s strategic and military-technological importance extends beyond its relationship with the US, making it imperative to evaluate this relationship from a strategic and military-technological standpoint.
Strategic Significance of Israel
Israel has exhibited exceptional success in military confrontations with Arab adversaries, notably in the Six-day War of 1967 and the 1973 Yom Kippur War. Its military capabilities are further exemplified by high-profile operations such as the Entebbe rescue mission in 1976. Despite intelligence failures, such as the recent Hamas attack, the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) have demonstrated commendable combat performance on the battlefield. These military achievements have not only enhanced Israel’s regional influence but also contributed to maintaining the balance of power, ensuring continued US geopolitical influence in the Middle East.
Israel’s Military Technological Strength
Despite its relatively small size, Israel holds significant influence in the global defence market, accounting for 2.3 percent of global military equipment exports. Major powers, including the US and UK, seek out Israel’s advanced military systems, with Israeli defence technology being integrated into their own weapons platforms. For example, Israel’s Active Protection System (APS), known as ‘Trophy’, is now integrated into US and UK military vehicles, showcasing the technological prowess of the Israeli defence industry. Israel’s contributions span various military domains, including avionics and ground combat capabilities, as evidenced by the Helmet Mounted Display (HMD) used in the F-35 Lightning III.
Impact on Global Politics
Israel’s influence extends beyond military and technological domains, with implications for global politics. Both the US and India rely on Israel for military cooperation and security assistance. The partnership between India and Israel has bolstered India’s defence capabilities, particularly during conflicts with Pakistan. As the world seeks to maintain a balance of power, Israel’s military forces and technological innovations continue to play a critical role.
Implications for the Future
Israel’s military strength is crucial not only for its own survival but also for maintaining stability and the balance of power in the Middle East. As global political dynamics continue to evolve, the strategic and military-technological significance of Israel will remain a crucial factor in shaping international relations.
About the author: Kartik Bommakanti is a Senior Fellow at the Observer Research Foundation.
Source: This article was published by the Observer Research Foundation.
+ There are no comments
Add yours