Logo: to the web site of the Swedish Defence University

This study examines the October war between Israel and Egypt on the southern front, to get a higher understanding of Israel's victory, by using Thunholms and Henåkers Ideal Sequence Model. Many countries are considered to have a small army compared to their neighbouring countries, including Sweden and Israel. Unfortunately, a small amount of research has been made regarding this situation that smaller states face. How can a state which has fewer resources, soldiers and material be able to achieve tactical success against an opponent, who is superior in these factors? 

The purpose of this study is to analyze if the Israeli victory during the October war can be better understood through the ideal model, which focuses on maneuver warfare. By filling this research gap, a higher understanding of maneuver warfare can be found, and hopefully help smaller states achieve tactical success against a superior opponent. The result of the analysis shows that there is a high degree of connection between the tactical successes for Israel and the ideal model during the October war. The factors of high tempo, reconnaissance, initiative, rapid decision-making, surprise and shock are considered, based on the analysis, to be the most crucial elements in understanding Israel's victory.