Bitachonistim movement

The Bitachonistim movement, also known as the Israel Defense and Security Forum (IDSF), is a prominent organization composed of thousands of reserve officers, former commanders, and veterans from the IDF, Mossad, Shin Bet, and Israel Police. The movement serves as a strategic think tank and advocacy group, providing a right-of-center security perspective on Israel's national challenges. Its core mission is to ensure that Israel's security needs remain the primary driver of national policy, particularly regarding the preservation of sovereignty in Judea and Samaria and the maintenance of law and order within Israel's borders.

The movement rose to prominence by challenging conventional security paradigms that it views as overly reliant on diplomatic concessions or technological solutions at the expense of territorial control and offensive military posture. It frequently provides briefings to policymakers and the public on issues such as Iranian regional entrenchment, the strategic importance of the Jordan Valley, and the necessity of combating illegal weapon smuggling and organized crime within the Arab-Israeli sector.

In June 2026, the movement took a vocal stance following a deadly terror attack in the Sharon region. The Bitachonistim issued a formal call for the Israeli government to prioritize internal security and governance, linking the rise in domestic terror incidents to broader systemic failures in addressing weapon proliferation and criminal networks. By framing internal security as a critical front in Israel's national defense, the movement continues to influence the public discourse on the intersection of civil governance and military resilience. Its members often serve as analysts in national media, advocating for a proactive stance against both external threats from the IRGC-backed 'Ring of Fire' and internal threats to the social fabric of the state.