Alwaght- Although Zionism and its followers were present in Israeli regime from the very beginning, but this presence was not considerable until the 80s, as the religious forces accounted for only 2% of the total number of regime's military forces. In fact, most of the people in key positions and commanding forces in the army had Laïcité and secular beliefs. Until the early 90s no military officer had reached the rank of senior-general and this rank was exclusive to the senior rabbi of the army. But later on, the situation changed drastically. If we look at the cause of this change, it is clear that two factors played roles in it.


The decrease in motivation of the religious movement in serving the army was the first factor that helped strengthening the religious current in the Israeli army. This was due to the severe economic crisis that arose in Israel in the mid-eighties which led to the formation of certain tendencies among the Laïcité movement and the military forces. Tendencies like favoring one’s own interests instead of the public interest. This had a great impact on reducing the motivation of youth with Laïcité and secular beliefs, in joining the army. The seculars believed that they suffered damages under the pressure of the military services. In the meantime, the Israeli regime was unable to give its soldiers and army personnel's' financial advantages due to the financial crisis.


It was in this situation in the late 80s and early 90s that attempts for reconciliation and ending the Arab-Israeli conflict were made. The agreements between the Israeli regime with the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and Jordan were at the peak of those attempts. Meanwhile, the secular forces felt that the threats toward Israel have decreased. So, they started paying more attention to their personal issues instead of the military.


Due to such tendencies among forces, the Israeli army lost its former position under the shadow of political compromises. Also, the political elite doubted their beliefs toward the sacred position of the army. At this time rumors were circulated about revising the military formation; at the time the Israeli army was considered a National Army, in which people from various walks of life had to take on mandatory military service. The rumors suggested that the military formation would change from a National Army to a Professional Army like the US army, in which military service is considered a profession.


In this situation secular values greatly lost their position. The withdrawal of the secular forces created an open space in the army, which was quickly filled by members of the religious movement and rabbis. This move was welcomed by Israeli politicians and general staff of the Israel Defense Forces. Since one of the priorities of the general staff of the Israel Defense Forces was dealing with lack of human resources, with young volunteers who were willing to take on military activities in different units of the army.


The second factor that led to presence of the religious movement in Israel’s military system, was this movement’s tendency and desire to influence the decision making process in Israel. The compromise agreements that were made, decreased the secular forces’ incentive to take on military activities. However, these agreements had a completely different effect on the religious movement.


Followers of the religious movement believed that they had gotten the short end of the stick in political issues and reconciliation talks. In addition, the religious beliefs of this movement caused the followers to make their best efforts to bring the political reconciliation into failure. Indeed, in their eyes, such compromise would have caused them to leave the land that has been considered Jewish Liberated Territory in their religious views. Rabbis and followers of the religious movement believe by entering the army and taking on commanding positions, they will be able to have more influence on the decision making process in Israel and serve the religious movement better.


Members of the religious movement believe they can influence the political decision making process through having Zionists in army ranks. They also believe that not only while they are serving in the army, but even after their retirement and when they are considered senior officers of the military, they will be able to maintain this influence. Because the Israeli parties usually seek to acquire retired generals, to have a better chance in elections. In addition, retired generals are in priority for political and diplomatic posts, presidency of state-owned and quasi governmental companies.


By Alwaght