Netanyahu sets out doctrine favoring preemptive strikes and buffer zones beyond Israel’s borders nine days before parliamentary elections

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu unveiled a new national security doctrine on 18 October, nine days before Israel’s 27 October parliamentary elections. It prioritizes preemptive military action over containment, including preventive strikes against perceived threats and the creation of so-called “buffer zones” beyond Israel’s borders, described in the post as occupation of land.

The ten-point doctrine calls for maintaining overwhelming military and technological superiority, preventing adversaries from acquiring nuclear weapons, expanding intelligence and deterrence capabilities, and strengthening defenses against missiles, drones, cyberattacks and border incursions. It defines victory as breaking an enemy’s military strength and confidence in its ability to threaten Israel.

The plan also calls for higher military spending, greater independence from foreign weapons suppliers and expanded domestic arms production, alongside advances in artificial intelligence, quantum technology and space capabilities. It prioritizes new regional and international alliances, information campaigns against Iran and other adversaries, efforts to counter anti-Zionism internationally, and national cohesion rooted partly in Jewish settlement of the “Land of Israel.”

According to Al Jazeera, analysts argue that the doctrine and an accompanying map of regional alliances are intended to reinforce Netanyahu’s image as Israel’s indispensable security leader. They point to corruption proceedings, criticism of his handling of 7 October and mounting political pressure.

Mohanad Hage Ali, a researcher at the Carnegie Middle East Center, warned that the presentation could fuel existential fears among Israeli voters and potentially pave the way for further territorial occupation, conflict and ethnic cleansing under the pretext of security. Opposition figures dismissed the doctrine as superficial and lacking substance.