From the air to the sea, within 1st hour: How the IDF's defense concept changed after Oct. 7

Following the October 7 attacks, the IDF has fundamentally restructured its defense doctrine, integrating air, naval, and ground forces as inseparable partners. The new approach emphasizes immediate, comprehensive responses to large-scale surprises, moving beyond specific intelligence-based scenarios. A key change involves the Air Force's role, shifting from requested assistance to active, critical air power deployment from the first hour of an event, aiming to "freeze the situation" before a complete operational picture forms. This includes an automated framework for rapid intervention, heavy fire to disrupt attacks, and shortened response times. Exercises now encompass multi-front scenarios, including ground raids, maritime infiltrations, and drone threats, with a focus on protecting civilian areas and pushing threats into enemy territory. Coordination between military branches and civilian emergency agencies has also been significantly enhanced, particularly in vulnerable sectors like Eilat, which faces unique challenges due to its geography and tourist influx.