Israel's reliance on defensive measures like border fences and the Iron Dome missile defense system has undermined its traditional offensive military strategy. On October 7, Hamas militants were able to breach Israel's high-tech Gaza border fence, leading to a massive attack that killed nearly 1,000 Israelis. Israel's focus on defense has allowed threats to grow steadily while sapping resources from offensive capabilities. Israel's Iron Dome has reduced incentives for ground maneuvers against Hamas. Some military leaders warned that this defensive mindset created complacency and illusions of security.
