本文旨在說明以色列的生存之道。從1948年復國之後，以色列的生存依賴團結的國家意識和軍事力量，而該國憲政體制也扮演重要角色。本文發現沒有外交地位的小國或政治實體，無法仰賴國際組織或有形的同盟，更必須優先強化軍事實力，讓他國知道自己防衛自己的信心和決心，在他國來增援前必須要能支撐相當時日，所謂自助而後人助的意義即在於此。本文的另一發現是從以色列的經驗，強大軍事力量和「國家定位必須正確律定」有直接關係。國家定位不明，軍隊要捍衛的標的就會出現疑義（即所謂為誰而戰、為何而戰的迷惑就會出現）。若干外來政權在統治土地上的防衛努力在於優先維繫其政權統治，防止人民反叛，如此勢必不可能訓練人民具備真正堅實的戰鬥技能，與構建有效的軍事體制，這種情況下，投入再多資源都難以建構真正強大的國防。

This article analyzes the ways of Israeli subsistence. From a realist perspective, Israel has depended on cohesive national identification and military capability to survive since 1948. Moreover, Israeli constitutional system has also played another important role. Without substantial allies and protection from the international community, the only way for Israel to survive is to maintain sufficient military capability that is able to defeat enemies' invasions and let the other countries understand its resolutions of self-defence. Making an induction from a variety of Israeli experiences, this paper attempts to argue that a country's strong military capability shall be based on an effective constitutional system and consistent national identification. Hence, a country that has confused national orientations and identities would generate confused military strategy. As a result, there would be disastrously impacts on the moral and readiness within the military.