Experiencing a global pandemic such as the coronavirus outbreak creates a special set of demands on any military, and no fewer on the Israeli Defense Forces, which irrespective of COVID-19 have to always maintain a heightened state of readiness.

How can a military, such as the IDF, maintain this state of readiness when military living conditions, exercises and coordination mitigates against “social distancing?” Does this disease, being that it transcends borders, as well as regional, sociological, and political boundaries act as a moderating influence on Israel’s enemies? Has Israel’s many enemies, including Iran, used COVID-19 as a shield to hide behind while actually accelerating their push towards nuclear breakout and preparing for the next wave of terrorism?