IDF Chief Zamir says military is building 'surprise war' strategy based on civil preparedness

IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir outlined a new strategy for the Israeli military based on the preparedness and resilience of the Israeli public while speaking at the "Leaders on the Home Front" conference on Tuesday.

The conference was held with the participation of Defense Minister Israel Katz, Home Front Commander Maj.-Gen. Shai Kalper, heads of local and regional authorities, senior officials from the defense establishment, and representatives of emergency and rescue organizations.

Zamir described a security concept in which the preparedness and resilience of local authorities and the civilian population serve as a prerequisite for the IDF’s ability to operate in any arena. He said the military has drawn lessons from both the events of Oct. 7, 2023, and the 12-day Israel-Iran war last June.

“We have made changes to readiness, to orders,” Zamir stated, while saying the IDF “addressed operational gaps” to prepare for the scenario of a surprise war. 

Zamir said that the ability of the local authorities to function in an emergency has a direct impact on the IDF's ability to operate, and the home front is a foundational brick in national security.

The army chief stated that the IDF's new strategy will adapt according to changes in readiness levels, orders, and patterns of operation. Israeli troops now stand on controlling lines, hold critical territory, and will act offensively to counter emerging threats, he said, adding that there would no longer be a strategy of containment regarding terror organizations or proxy groups on Israel's borders. 

Referring to “Operation Rising Lion,” Zamir said he visited the sites of the attacks and closely monitored the cooperation between local authorities and the Home Front Command. He emphasized that local authorities serve as a pillar of support for the public during moments of crisis. 

Katz echoed Zamir, saying that after two years of multi-front fighting, the resilience of the home front is crucial for Israel's security and victory.

He reiterated that responsible action by the authorities, along with initiative and dedication, was crucial to the long-term resilience of Israeli society and enabled the IDF and security forces to fulfill their missions. 

Kalper called the Israeli home front the “strongest in the world.” He noted that the current reality requires professional and courageous civilian leadership, together with full partnership with the IDF’s Home Front Command and civil emergency services. 

Zamir’s reference to a surprise war comes just weeks after the IDF said it is ready to strike Israel’s enemies “wherever required, on near and distant fronts alike,” and one week after Central Command head Maj.-Gen. Avi Bluth warned, “The baseline scenario we must prepare for is readiness for a surprise war.” 

“We are required to maintain a high level of preparedness and alertness, while using the time to strengthen our professional foundations,” Bluth continued. 

Later in the day, an IDF spokesperson issued a clarification after social media posts interpreted the remarks as referring to immediate security concerns. The spokesperson’s office said Zamir’s comments were intended solely to prepare the public for unexpected scenarios – both security-related and civilian.