David Tal (historian)

David Tal is an Israeli military historian and professor specializing in the history of Israeli national security, military strategy, and foreign policy. He has written extensively on the Arab-Israeli conflict, focusing on the decision-making processes, strategic doctrines, and operational aspects of the wars fought between Israel and its Arab neighbors.

Tal earned his Ph.D. from Tel Aviv University. He has held positions at various academic institutions, including Tel Aviv University, where he teaches in the Department of History. He has also been a visiting professor at universities in the United States and Europe.

His research explores the complex interplay of political, military, and societal factors that have shaped Israel's security environment. His work often examines the perspectives of both Israeli and Arab actors, contributing to a more nuanced understanding of the conflict.

Selected Publications:

• War in Palestine, 1948: Strategy and Diplomacy. Routledge, 2004.
• Israel's Conception of National Security: Between Oslo and Second Lebanon War. Sussex Academic Press, 2013.
• Foundations of Israeli National Security: Toward an Theory. Yale University Press, 2017.
• (Editor) The 1956 War: Collusion and Rivalry in the Middle East. Routledge, 2001.

Tal's scholarship is widely cited and considered influential in the field of Middle Eastern studies and military history. His contributions provide valuable insights into the historical evolution of Israel's security policies and the enduring challenges facing the region.