The Begin-Sadat Center for Strategic Studies (BESA Center) proudly congratulates Professor Eitan Shamir and Brig. Gen. (res.) Eran Ortal on being awarded the prestigious Chechik Prize for Research in Israeli Security Studies—one of the most important and influential awards in the field of security research in Israel.
Professor Eitan Shamir, Head of the BESA Center, received the prize together with his co-author, Dr. Edward Luttwak, for their book The Art of Military Innovation: Lessons from the IDF, published by Harvard University Press. The book offers an in-depth examination of military innovation in the Israel Defense Forces, combining historical analysis with the study of contemporary strategic and technological challenges.
Brig. Gen. (res.) Eran Ortal, Head of the Military Program at the BESA Center, was awarded the prize for his book The War Before the War, which addresses one of the central challenges facing modern militaries: preparing for the next war without relying on past paradigms. The book integrates theoretical insight with practical experience and makes a significant contribution to understanding processes of change and innovation within the IDF.
These awards reflect scholarly depth, long-term research, and a meaningful contribution to Israel’s security and strategic discourse. The BESA Center warmly congratulates Professor Shamir and Gen. (res.) Ortal on their achievements and wishes them continued scholarly success.