Additional Lessons from the Ukraine War

While this paper has addressed the major geopolitical and normative transformations brought about by the Ukraine war and their consequences for Israel and the Jewish people, several other significant dimensions of modern warfare have emerged from this conflict. These additional lessons deserve particular attention as they prove increasingly relevant to Israel’s strategic environment.⁷⁶

The first dimension pertains to economic sanctions, which have proven to be powerful strategic tools. Western pressure on Russia has demonstrated how such measures can significantly affect military capabilities and the ability to sustain prolonged conflicts. Israel’s extensive integration into global banking and trade networks makes it particularly susceptible to the impacts of economic sanctions. In the Gaza context, the role of sanctions and economic aid is equally central to conflict dynamics. Sanctions could undermine military readiness by limiting access to equipment and dual-use technologies, while also disrupting Israel’s export-driven economy and supply chains. The international community’s demonstrated readiness to employ sanctions as a tool of diplomatic leverage further raises concerns about the potential impact on foreign aid and military assistance. These factors collectively have far-reaching implications for Israel’s strategic resilience and diplomatic standing.

A second key dimension involves international legal institutions, which have emerged as unavoidable actors in modern conflicts. Whether through the International Criminal Court (ICC) or the International Court of Justice (ICJ), these institutions exert a growing influence on the conduct of war and the legitimacy of military actions. Both the Ukraine and Gaza conflicts have engendered international legal proceedings, and belligerents cannot ignore this dimension.

The third crucial aspect concerns information warfare and public opinion. Both conflicts illustrate how the “narrative battle” and management of international perceptions can be as important as military operations. The ability to shape collective consciousness and influence global public opinion has become an essential component of modern military strategy.

Perhaps most strikingly, the fourth dimension involves private sector intervention in modern warfare, dramatically illustrated by Elon Musk’s intervention through Starlink in Ukraine. When Russian cyber-attacks threatened Ukraine’s communications infrastructure, Starlink’s private satellite network proved decisive in maintaining military communications. For Israel, with its robust high-tech sector and strong connections to global technology companies, this dimension deserves particular attention. Private sector technological capabilities could prove vital in future conflicts involving Israel, adding another layer of complexity to modern warfare.

These four dimensions merit dedicated research beyond this study’s scope, particularly with respect to lessons Israel can learn from Ukraine’s experience. The way these factors have played out in Ukraine offers important insights into Israel’s approach to future conflicts. Understanding and adapting to these evolving aspects of warfare could be crucial for Israel’s future security preparedness, especially given its technological advantages and complex strategic environment.