Non-Conventional Solutions for Non-Conventional Dilemmas?

Abstract

This study surveys Israel's doctrine of multi-layered defense against the threat of ballistic missiles. It describes the nation's unique combination of deterrence, passive defense, active defense, and offensive tactics against this threat and analyzes the technical, tactical, and political arguments for and against each layer of defense. The analysis concludes that deterrence is likely to be Israel's most effective strategy to forestall this threat in the future. Nevertheless, it also argues that although other methods might be technically less efficient, domestic and external political considerations may justify them and render them a sound strategy.