Efraim Inbar - Rabin and Israels National Security

For more than forty years Yitzhak Rabin played a critical role in shaping Israeli national security policy and military doctrine. He began as a soldier in the Palmach, the elite underground unit of the Jewish community in Palestine, served in the 1948 War of Independence, and ultimately became chief of staff of the Israel Defense Force (IDF), defense minister in several governments, ambassador to the United States, and, twice, prime minister. As chief of staff, Rabin led the IDF to its triumph in the 1967 Six Day War. He was assassinated in 1995 as prime minister as he left a peace rally.Drawing on unpublished materials and interviews with important sources, including Rabin himself, Efraim Inbars work offers a systematic study of Rabins strategic thinking and his policies. Topics include the evolution of Rabins thinking, his contributions to IDF military buildup, his stress on Israels relationship to the United States, his attitudes toward the use of force, and his approach to Israels nuclear status in the Middle East. Inbars conclusion evaluates Rabins contribution to Israels national security and assesses Rabins personal transition from warrior to peace maker. Because of Rabins crucial role in Israels defense establishment at important junctures in its history, this book provides an important view into the security challenges Israel has faced and how the country has responded over four decades.