As we step into 2026, the security landscape of Israel remains as complex as it is historic. In this FIDF Live briefing, FIDF CEO Major General (Res.) Nadav Padan provides a candid strategic assessment, ranging from the streets of Tehran to the borders of Lebanon, and ultimately, to the hearts of the soldiers standing guard. With the number 26 representing the name of Hashem in Judaism, we pray this year brings safety and strength, but as General Padan outlines, it will also require unprecedented resilience.
The Iranian Paradox: Economic Desperation vs. Regime Stability
The year begins with the world watching Iran. While protests have escalated, General Padan offers a nuanced analysis: these uprisings are driven primarily by a fight for survival—specifically food and water shortages and “crazy” inflation—rather than purely political ideology. While the situation is fragile, the regime has built a sophisticated security apparatus designed to withstand exactly this type of internal pressure.
Interestingly, actions taken halfway across the world have had a ripple effect. Padan noted that US operations in Venezuela have disrupted key money-laundering channels used by Hezbollah and Iran to bypass sanctions, inadvertently aiding the war against terror proxies in the Middle East.
The Northern Front: A Fragile Reality
In Lebanon, the dynamic is shifting but dangerous. While Hezbollah has been weakened by the loss of financial support, it remains the strongest military force in the country—stronger even than the Lebanese military.
Although the Lebanese army has begun to take more action against ceasefire violations, Major General (Res.) Padan emphasized that the Israel Defense Forces’ must maintain its freedom of operation. Israel continues to conduct operations to prevent Hezbollah from rebuilding terror infrastructure near the border, ensuring that the north does not slide back into a pre-war status quo.
The Human Cost: The Burden on Reservists in 2026
Perhaps the most critical takeaway for our supporters is the immense strain placed on Israel’s citizen-soldiers. General Padan described 2026 as potentially “one of the most challenging years we ever faced” regarding personnel.
- Operational Tempo: Active-duty soldiers are expected to spend 90% of their time on operational security routines, leaving little time for training.
- Reservist Duty: To support this, combat reservists are projected to serve an average of 70 days this year, with commanders serving up to 100 days.
This level of service places a heavy burden on the Israeli economy and the families of those who serve.
Technology vs. The Human Spirit
While the war has demonstrated the superiority of Western and Israeli technology over Eastern axis weaponry—from drones to defense systems—General Padan offered a powerful reminder: technology is not a silver bullet.
“What makes the Israel Defense Forces’ better than our enemy… is before everything else, the quality of commanders and soldiers,” Padan stated. Boots on the ground, clearing houses and protecting borders, remain the deciding factor in modern warfare.
FIDF’s Evolving Mission: The “War After the War”
In response to these challenges, FIDF is shifting its strategic priorities. The “real war” for support organizations begins when the fighting stops. For 2026, FIDF is drastically increasing its focus on the long-term wellbeing of soldiers.
This includes a massive scaling up of support for:
- Reservists and their families, who are carrying the economic and emotional load of extended service.
- Wounded soldiers, specifically focusing on both physical rehabilitation and the “invisible scars” of mental health struggles.
The budget for these wellbeing programs has increased significantly, reflecting our commitment to healing those who have sacrificed everything for the Jewish people.
A Call to Unity
As we face the year ahead, the lesson of the last two years is clear: We are one people. The future of the State of Israel and the Jewish Diaspora are inextricably linked.
Major General (Res.) Padan reminds us that while the soldiers’ job is to protect Israel, our job is to look after them. In 2026, we are not just donating; we are changing lives and rebuilding futures.
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