.Media and Government Communication Unit
The Center for Strategic and International Studies at the University of Baghdad organized a scholarly seminar entitled “The Challenge of the Israeli Military Institution After ‘Al-Aqsa Flood’ – A Case Study”, highlighting the internal and external challenges facing the Israeli army following the events of October 7. The seminar was delivered by Dr. Riyadh Abed Ibrahim, Head of the Department of Public Policies.
Dr. Abed Ibrahim explained that the military institution constitutes a fundamental pillar of Israel’s social and political structure. However, it faces internal challenges, most notably the sharp political division within the government, which has manifested in discontent among soldiers, avoidance of reserve service, and a decline in trust between the military and policymakers, ultimately widening the gap between the army and Israeli society.
Externally, the challenges include increasing regional and international criticism of the Israeli army’s performance, alongside a sense of uncertainty and disarray resulting from operations carried out by resistance factions across multiple fronts, which exposed limitations in its deterrence capabilities. International criticism has also intensified due to allegations of committing acts of genocide against the Palestinian people and the use of internationally prohibited weapons.
Dr. Abed Ibrahim concluded that these challenges have become more pronounced following the “Al-Aqsa Flood” operation, placing the Israeli military institution before unprecedented challenges both internally and externally.
