National security is the most comprehensive and crucial concept in safeguarding the existence and prosperity of a sovereign state. It represents a nation's critical ability to protect its citizens and internal values from severe external threats such as terrorist organizations and hostile states. A country's national security comprises several core domains: ensuring its independent and sovereign existence, preserving the lives of its inhabitants, maintaining territorial integrity, internal security, economic resilience, a strong international standing, appropriate demographic balance, preservation of national ideological perceptions, and ensuring daily security within its borders.

In this course, we will examine the evolution of the concept of "national security" and its diverse components. We will delve into the unique characteristics of the Israeli security system, including the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), the intelligence community, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the economy, society, and global Jewry. We will discuss the complex relationships between the military echelon and the political echelon, their interactions, and the methods of oversight on the functioning of various security entities. Additionally, we will compare the Israeli model to similar systems worldwide, emphasizing Israel's distinct advantages and strengths, particularly in the military aspect.

Effective maintenance of national security involves the integration of several central channels: armed military forces for border security and deterrence capability; advanced intelligence agencies for information gathering and early warning; a diplomatic apparatus and public relations campaign to mitigate threats and engage allies; and civil defense bodies to maintain internal peace and public order. The main entities responsible for national security are the Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the military, in collaboration with intelligence agencies, defense industries, and others. In Israel, the IDF, Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency), Mossad, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the National Security Council form the cornerstones of the comprehensive security system that safeguards its national security.

* The course material will be tailored to the age of the learners.