When did a Big Mac become better than a Falafel? The Americanization process of the IDF (1973-2006).

The following paper explores the Americanization process of the IDF, thus the process in which the IDF increasingly adopts US doctrinal ideas and operational practices. The paper argues that this process stands in contrast to the diverse sources and original learning's of the IDF in its first three decades of existence. The paper concludes with a word of cautious: While some of the emulation is unavoidable and other is justified, there are some areas that an indiscriminate copy - paste may become counter-productive, particularly on the strategic level which is so different between the countries. Indeed, since 2006 the IDF is more concerned with finding original solutions to its own particular problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]