At the opening of the Geneva Peace Conference in December 1973, the American Secretary of State Dr. Henry Kissinger observed that, except for uneasy cease-fires and armistices, the Arab-Israeli conflict constituted one continued war that had already lasted 25 years. Despite the events that have taken place since that observation was made, Israel Defence Force, or IDF. The central theme of this book is the evolution of the modern Israeli Army, its organisation, doctrines, and special characteristics.

Includes index.

The foundations: 1907-47 -- The army of the War of Independence: 1947-49 -- The new army: 1949-53 -- Moshe Dayan and the Suez War: 1953-57 -- The Israeli army between two wars: 1957-67 -- The Six Day War: 1967 -- After the Six Day War: 1967-73 -- The Yom Kippur War: October 1973 -- Between war and peace: 1974-78.