The most recent parallel between the '73 war and the fight against the virus deals specifically with fiasco, but it must be examined what enabled the overwhelming decision of the campaign • Interpretation
The Yom Kippur War has burned into the consciousness of many in Israeli society as a fiasco - and the reason is clear: a misconception, charlatanry, complacency, inadequacy of the use of force in the face of the situation that has arisen and more.
However, the Yom Kippur War ended in an overwhelming IDF decision, despite the unfortunate opening conditions. This is worth learning, if we have already compared this war to dealing with the Corona virus, while Israeli society is sinking into grief and a simple feeling of frustration and mistrust.
Photo: Benjamin Netanyahu's Twitter page
It is worth recalling that on October 6, 1973, when the war broke out, the order of the IDF forces facing the Syrian and Egyptian waves of attack was not appropriate. It is not for nothing that among the leadership there was a sense of loss of the third house, frustration, sadness and helplessness.The situation on the fronts was catastrophic.
The chance that created a makeover
In those days, however, there were those who doubted the conception, dared to try something else - and thus turned the bowl upside down.
We should learn from this.
The first is Major General Moshe (Musa) Peled, who moved his division from the center towards the Golan Heights while Syrian divisions occupied its southern part.
He was instructed by the Coast Command to prepare in the back line due to the understanding that the Golan Heights had fallen.
But General Peled atoned for this thinking, and after his independent tour of another permanent territory: it is possible to reconquer and act differently.
At the moment, he was sitting next to the commander of the North Coast Command, former chief of staff Haim Bar-Lev. Hofi, according to what was said, tended not to accept Peled's recommendation. But Bar-Lev, experienced and without ego, persuaded Hofi to give Musa a chance. Thus, General Peled and his division attacked in the southern Golan Heights - and during a rapid counterattack recaptured the area.
This local success - alongside the stabilization of the reserve forces within 48 hours - led to a revolution in the northern arena.
The top echelons of the army realized that the situation could be changed, and so it was.
IDF forces in the Golan, led by Rafael Eitan, then commander of the 36th Division, Dan Lenner, who commanded the 210th Division, and General Peled stabilized the front, leading to a rapid move that overwhelmed the Syrian forces.
In the southern arena the situation was even more complicated.
Not only did the Egyptians manage to score the line of strongholds while inflicting a huge number of casualties on the IDF, the counterattacks initiated by the Southern Command shattered the Egyptian forces in Sinai and failed.
In those days, the war of generals became known, especially between Major General Ariel Sharon, a former commander-in-chief and division commander in the war, and Major General Shmuel Gonen (Gorodish).
Sharon pushed for the success of the Suez Canal as a move that would overwhelm the Egyptian army, but the top echelons of the army and government backed away from this move.
It was perceived as inappropriate, and even as one that might lead to another fiasco.
Sharon in any case pushed to carry it out with all his might.
He prepared his infrastructure, built it and when the signal was given - executed it.
The success of the canal and the subsequent entry of two divisions into maneuvers on the western side of the canal, led to the two Egyptian armies in Sinai being under siege, and a ceasefire was soon declared.
Instead of ego wars - daring and creativity
What can be learned from this in the context of the corona?
First, it should be noted the role of Chief of Staff David Elazar, who recovered, relied on his sub-commanders, backed them up, and allowed them to put their ideas into practice, even though some sounded difficult to digest, while taking significant risks.
Then came the appointment of Haim Bar-Lev as commander of the front, while giving full support to his decisions.
Bar-Lev was the right man in the right place and at the right time.
You could say that even in the right character.
He did not threaten the ego at the top but carried out what was required in peace of mind.
It is worth remembering that Rob and Bar-Lev were soul mates.
Another matter is the courage and leadership shown by the commanders of the divisions who led the warriors to a revolution out of impossible conditions.
They showed the ability to transcend personal emotions, to think creatively, to dare and act against all risks - and all this combined with the heroism of the warriors who were under them and formed a solid basis for extremely complex moves.
Of course the story is much broader, but the lesson here is clear: a campaign requires leadership, backing, daring, courage and creative thinking that includes endless determination.
Only in this way can you win, certainly when the opening conditions are so difficult.
And now for the parable.
In the situation we are in today, there is no doubt that the opening conditions created in recent days are sad, and even more so disturbing.
Here, too, in dealing with the corona, we have seen a concept that collapsed, arrogance and complacency, ego wars and what not.
All that is left now to expect is recovery, the right person at the forefront, taking risks while backing creative thinking, and daring.
Beyond all this, a quick and decisive departure must be made from a defensive to a determined and crushing attack, which should be led by the field personnel: the hospital administrators who recently radiate a sad atmosphere, and their warriors - the doctors and department heads.
The good news is that we have the talent, people and determination needed for an effective, decisive and dramatic revolution.
We can do it, no doubt.
The Yom Kippur War has taught us that without the right people in the right places and the backing of their actions while curbing ego wars - we will continue to be defended by a frustrating defense.
Proper extraction of all these and belief in the ability and righteousness of the way allow for rapid change.
Come on, it's time.
Let's win this campaign - for our health, social integrity and this country, for which we have paid such a high price, and we have no other.
The author is a former commander of the Armored Brigade, currently a researcher of military-social relations, author of the books "The Man in the Tank", and "Clear Direction"