The Israel Defense and Security Forum (ISDF), known in Hebrew as Habitchonistim or “the security guys,” is broadening its focus beyond traditional military concerns to combat antisemitism and shape Israel’s future security landscape. Established six years ago by Major-General (res.) Amir Avivi, the organization gathers former senior figures from Israel’s military and intelligence services, including ex-heads of the Mossad, Shin Bet, and police forces, to apply their expertise to pressing national challenges.

At the helm of ISDF’s new strategic thrust is Itay Medina, head of the Security Policy Institute within the forum. Medina emphasizes a proactive, offensive approach to confronting antisemitism, drawing parallels to Israel’s military operations in Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, and Iran. Rather than simply responding defensively, Medina argues for identifying the origins of hostile narratives, exposing disinformation, creating counter-narratives, and engaging supporters worldwide to form an organized campaign.

ISDF’s membership currently includes about 60,000 Israelis and 8,000 supporters abroad, mainly in the United States. The forum operates not as a competitor to Israel’s formal security apparatus but as an external body offering oversight, policy critique, and strategic recommendations from what Medina describes as a “national, Zionist, and security-oriented” perspective. The organization’s efforts aim to “wake up the system” and provide an alternative view on national security.

The group’s outreach extends significantly into education, targeting the next generation of Israeli leaders. ISDF conducts programs in high schools and pre-military academies (mechinot) across the country, including its own mechina in the Negev. This institution combines military and security training with Zionist activism, stressing Israel’s unique security environment. Recently, the forum has introduced specialized mechinot for prospective police and border patrol recruits, as well as one tailored for the ultra-Orthodox community to facilitate their integration into national security roles.

Beyond education, ISDF maintains regular dialogue with senior Israeli officials, including the prime minister, security minister, IDF chief of staff, and Border Police leaders. The organization contributes to policy discussions and produces strategy papers focusing on current military operations and broader defense challenges. Topics include ground tactics, buffer zones, and the management of evacuations in conflict zones such as southern Lebanon and Gaza, reflecting concerns about Iran-backed proxies in the region.

Medina encapsulates ISDF’s philosophy with the slogan “Security of Israel for generations,” linking the group’s work to the nation’s history, identity, and future. While ISDF is neither religious nor political, it sees its mission as reconnecting Israelis to the foundational spirit behind the state’s establishment, creating security strategies informed by Israel’s distinctive geopolitical realities rather than conventional academic models alone.