The October 7 massacre represents a historic crisis and a defining moment for the State of Israel. It calls for a profound national reckoning—one that goes beyond analyzing the tactical failures of that day to examine the deeper, long-term trends and structural weaknesses that led to the disaster and were exposed in its aftermath.
Only through an honest, courageous, and systematic effort to confront these weaknesses—and to correct them—can Israel achieve lasting security and build a future in which it not only survives but thrives, grows, and fulfills its rightful role as a sovereign and leading power in the region.
To that end, the Argaman Institute convened a team of senior researchers and experts with decades of accumulated experience to produce a detailed and comprehensive proposal for doctrinal and institutional reform. Together, these form a bold political and security vision for Israel—one that acknowledges our complex reality and limited resources, yet seeks to harness Israel’s capabilities toward a flourishing future.
To mark the launch of the project “A New Strategic Agenda for Israel,” the Argaman Institute will host The Alternative Security Conception Conference, where the research team and leading guest speakers will present and discuss the project’s key ideas and recommendations.
The conference will take place at the Herut Center for Israeli Liberty, Aholiav 5, 10th Floor, Jerusalem.
Host of The Great Game podcast; former Senior Geopolitical Analyst at Infinity Investments
Lecturer at Israel’s Military Colleges; former Head of Public Diplomacy in the Prime Minister’s Office
Member of the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee
25-year IDF veteran, combat commander and senior officer in the Southern Command
Expert on land planning in Judea and Samaria; former Advisor on Settlement Affairs to Israel’s Defense Ministers
Intelligence expert; former Head of the Counterterrorism Division in Military Intelligence (AMAN), Chief Intelligence Officer of the Southern Command, and Commander of AMAN’s Training Directorate
CEO, Herut Center for Israeli Liberty
Member of the Prime Minister’s Nagel Commission on Israel’s Defense Budget; Senior Fellow at the Misgav Institute
Head of the Argaman Institute and Dean of the Herut Center for Israeli Liberty
Conference Chair; Director of the Churchill Program for Political and Security Strategy
Former senior official in the Prime Minister’s Office and Head of Combat Operations for the Gaza Division
Greetings from Dr. Ronen Shoval
Dr. Raphael BenLevi – What Does “Israel Initiates” Look Like and What Is the New Strategic Agenda? An Overview
Col. (Res.) Roi Tamir – Returning to the Foundations of Zionism: Principles for a Renewed Security Doctrine in Light of the Failure of October 7
Col. (Res.) Shuki Ribak – Force-Building Priorities: The Ground Forces as a Component of National Power
Brig. Gen. (Res.) Effie Eitam – The Nagel Commission Recommendations: Why It Is Right to Prioritize Force-Building for the Third Circle
Dr. Ran Baratz – Realism in the Defense Establishment: Why It Is Lacking and Why It Is Essential
Nitzan David Fuchs – How to Build Israeli Power in a Multipolar World
Kobi Eliraz – Beyond Oslo: Advancing Israeli Sovereignty in Judea and Samaria the Right Way
Brig. Gen. (Res.) Oren Solomon – What Is the Desired Long-Term Strategy Toward Iran?
Amiad Cohen – Opening Remarks