I recently came across an exceptionally clear article detailing Israel’s strategic planning during its confrontation on three fronts: Gaza/Hamas, Lebanon/Hezbollah, and Iran—the so-called “axis of evil.” This analysis is a masterclass in strategy and demonstrates how precise, targeted actions can change the course of history.
You can read the full article here: Netanyahu: The Inside Story of Israel’s Comeback Victory.
The article highlights Israel’s focus on Centers of Gravity—key factors, structures, or entities that, when targeted effectively, yield disproportionately massive results. This concept, though simple in theory, requires deep understanding and practice to apply effectively.
A Center of Gravity (CoG) is a pivotal element within a system—be it a person, process, structure, or activity—that, when influenced or disrupted, produces exponential effects. Success lies in identifying these CoGs and acting on them in parallel, creating a multiplier effect that amplifies the results.
The article describes this concept beautifully:
Each attack had a multiplier effect. “We knocked down Hezbollah, which was supposed to protect Iran. And Iran didn’t protect Hezbollah either and neither of them protected [Syria’s Bashar al] Assad. So, we split the whole axis down the middle.”
Barely a year ago, Israel faced relentless attacks from the south and north, coupled with fierce criticism from politicians and the media globally. Today, they stand victorious, having fundamentally reshaped the Middle East. This is the power of strategic planning and precision.
The article captures the magnitude of this accomplishment: “We now stand at a crossroads of history [in the Middle East]. The campaign that we [Israel] carried out changed the Middle East.”
Strategic planning is not just for nations; it’s a skill we all need. Whether in business, personal growth, or problem-solving, identifying and acting on Centers of Gravity can produce transformative outcomes.
I encourage you to explore the article and reflect on at least six Centers of Gravity Israel targeted. These strategies didn’t just win battles; they redefined the landscape and averted prolonged conflict.
Can you identify similar Centers of Gravity in your life or work? How might targeting them in parallel amplify your results?
I look forward to hearing your thoughts.
Carl Barney
January 6, 2025
Really interesting! Here are some of my thoughts on this:
1. Some events don’t just provoke a response, but a complete framework shift. In the past, Netanyahu made deals and appeasements with Hamas. But, October 7 made him think differently. He did not ‘simply’ retaliate—he changed his entire framework for thinking about the Middle East. Similarly, AI requires a complete framework shift.
2. A quote that stood out to me in the article was “power isn’t merely guns, missiles, tanks and aircraft, it’s the will to fight and seize the initiative.” The nature of one’s drive is extremely important.
3. Don’t rely too heavily on any one centre of gravity as sometimes you will lose it—or worse, it will turn against you. The US Army is a centre of gravity for the Israeli forces. When the US posed a de facto arms embargo on Israel, they lost a huge centre of gravity. Fortunately, they were able to manage without it. We all know what this is like…