Between winter 1970 and autumn 1973, during my intensive service in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), I sensed and personally experienced the national self-satisfaction within our society. Following the miraculous victories of the Six-Day War in June 1967, the rank and file of the military, not different from the political leadership, became captive to a particular notion: “We are genius, nobody should tell us what to do and our superiority in the Middle East is unshakeable.”

Sadly, this misleading understanding had deeply penetrated all walks of life. Very few were willing, or capable, of thinking differently. As if a kind of mental blindness gained control everywhere. For instance, the IDF’s generals, colonels and captains, with their military uniforms and high officer ranks, had ‘decorated’ numerous social events. Arrogance and pride overshadowed humbleness and modesty. Honor and glory were plentifully given to men and human might, and not to the Almighty Creator of the universe, who actually enabled the victory in 1967.

Thus, the possibility of facing a surprise military Arab attack looked inconceivable.

  From hubris to complacence