Studies in Generalship: Lessons from the Chiefs of Staff of the Israel Defense Forces

The commander, or chief of staff, of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) is a prominent public figure in Israel. His decisions, advice, and persona are held in high regard by Israel's public and leadership, and have indirect impacts on social, economic, and foreign affairs. But until now, an in-depth study on the role and performance of the IDF's chiefs of staff has been sorely absent.

In this study, Meir Finkel offers a robust and original comparative perspective on the IDF chiefs of staff thro...