In Israel, the connection between the IDF and civilian society is undisputed. Compulsory enlistment and reserve duty, extensive media coverage, the dominance of former generals in Israeli politics, and the vast economic capacity of the IDF all lead to a point where an extensive examination and a lively discussion of Army and Society in Israel are necessary. Many matters related to daily life, as well as important subjects related to questions of morality and values, straddle the seam line between military and civilian society. These issues may be discussed both within the military and in civilian bodies such as universities, corporations, and the media.

The Army and Society Forum periodically brings together central, influential figures from the military and from civilian society to discuss shared issues that touch upon their respective areas of expertise. These two groups, although interrelated, rarely meet for joint discussions. Therefore, such meetings, which facilitate exchange between them, have great value. Each forum discusses one topic, with all its complexities and ramifications.

Since the issues under discussion cross disciplines, and in order to represent a broad range of opinions, approaches and views, the forum strives to bring together representatives, from all areas of civilian society and the military, who have a direct or indirect connection to the issue at hand. The diversity of the participants makes it possible for them to come up with innovative and interesting insights and examine the possibility of implementing them from a broad range of viewpoints. The issues at hand have already been discussed in a variety of contexts. But the forum seeks not only to deepen the discussion from the points of view already examined, but also to offer new angles.

The Army and Society Forum was established in 2000, and has held nine sessions so far (see details below). The sessions’ topics are never purely “civilian” or “military.” Therefore, discussion groups are always heterogenic and include civilians from various bodies and military personnel from different corps and positions. The goal of the forum is for each of these heterogenic discussion groups to produce both theoretical and practical results.

A Summary of the discussions and the insights gained is usually published after each meeting.