Sword and the Olive A Critical History of the Israeli Defense Force

Combining razor-sharp analysis with dramatic narrative, vivid portraits of soldiers and commanders with illuminating discussions of battle tactics and covert actions,The Sword and the Olivetraces the history of the IDF from its beginnings in Palestine to today. The book also goes beyond chronology to wrestle with the political and ethical struggles that have shaped the IDF and the country it servesstruggles that are manifesting themselves in the recent tragic escalation of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. Often revisionist in attitude, surprising in many of its conclusions, this book casts new light on the struggle for peace in the Middle East.Van Creveld, Martin is the author of 'Sword and the Olive A Critical History of the Israeli Defense Force', published 2002 under ISBN 9781586481551 and ISBN 158648155X.