Arie Egozi Arie Egozi is a seasoned reporter in the defense industry and in military and civilian aviation. He has worked closely with the Israeli daily Yedioth Ahronoth, and written for international journals in both the aviation and defense fields.
There’s no doubt that the persons capable of dealing with cyber attacks against Israel are the individuals in the IDF’s elite units who deal with advanced computerization. There is an assessment that the recent attacks against banks and hospitals are merely a rehearsal for the real thing; if this is true, then these units need to be prepared not just for a defensive operation, but also an offensive operation.
While it is still unclear who developed and sent the worms that infected Iran’s nuclear facilities, this is the kind of offensive action Israel needs to take. We must severely damage the infrastructure of hostile states, as the large attacks against Israel will be conducted by states, not by groups of young anarchist hackers.
Though Israel is not ready for this kind of war, in the meantime, it can at least respond with highly effective counterattacks.
A Strategic Maneuver
The expansion of the cooperation agreement for ballistic missile defense between Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and Boeing was presented as another step of industrial cooperation between two companies with advanced technology. However, this is not exactly the case.
A deal was signed with Boeing nearly a decade ago to obtain more Arrow-2 missiles. IT manufactures part of the missiles in an Arizona-based plant that are purchased for the IAF with US foreign aid funds – a convenient arrangement for all sides.
Yet, something happened along the way. Israel is the only country in the world in possession of an operational system for defense against ballistic missiles. The US is positioning systems against intercontinental missiles, but that is another story. Boeing understood that aside from sub-contracting, there is still greater potential in this area.
The signing of the agreement for expanding the cooperation represents a genuine change. Today, Boeing is largely involved in the development of the upgraded Arrow-3 missile. However, that is not where the issue ends.
I have no doubt that the threat posed by ballistic missiles to an increasing number of countries is generating a demand for defense systems. The cooperation between IAI and Boeing could result in the sale of these systems to several countries.
Independent in the Field
Will the IDF use autonomous systems capable of opening fire on their own accord in the near future? The decision is tactical rather than technical, as the technology already exists with both ground and naval tools.
The question is one of human “operational code.” What now seems unacceptable may soon become acceptable, especially along a border like the Egyptian one. When the never-ending work of erecting the Egyptian border fence is complete, someone will have to back the metal wires from which it was made.
It is along such an extended fence that autonomous tools that can identify and eliminate will provide effective solutions. The IDF will have to consider all aspects of using this technology. It will not be an easy decision, but the changing situation necessitates a renewed and comprehensive analysis.
A Foretold Failure
The last-minute cancellation of a deal signed by Israeli UAV manufacturer Aeronautics and a foreign country once again raises the question as to the way Israeli defense export deals are made. Supposedly, all the elements and mechanisms needed to prevent unsuitable deals already exist.
So how do mishaps such as these still occur? The best example is the economic “parallel market.” Essentially, these formal exporters operate in semi-secrecy alongside importers, and not always in conjunction with them. Primarily, these are former senior officers utilizing connections from their military service to make a profit.
All attempts to overcome, regulate, and end this phenomenon have so far failed.
Alone in Battle
IsraelDefense readers already know that during Gen. Dempsey’s visit ten days ago, the state of the discussions carried out with Israel’s Chief of Staff and other senior defense officials was far from the “family picnic” official spokespersons tried to portray.
Over the weekend, an interview with the US Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff exposed what was said during his visit. There is no agreement between the US and Israel on the Iranian issue. Gen. Dempsey arrived here in an attempt to prevent an independent Israeli operation, and the discussions, at least in part, were acrimonious.
This means that the Americans don’t want a mess during an election year, that Israel is alone in this battle, and that Israel will have to make tough decisions in the near future.
Government Suckers
Thousands of words have been written about the Tal law and the attempt to extend it. This time I wish to speak about other “suckers,” and not those that go into the reserve forces every year. The Prime Minister and the Minister of Defense are the suckers. Either they are not listening to their media consultants, or those consultants don’t understand a thing.
If Netanyahu and Barak had decided long ago to end the massive evasion from IDF service, they would have gained enough support to render the partnership with the religious parties pointless. Therefore, they are in fact the suckers.
They don’t understand the depth of the fury among the secular populace over the discriminatory law; they would have made a name for themselves in an unprecedented manner had they demonstrated valor as veterans of combat units and done the right thing.
However, their instincts are not what they used to be during their military service. Now, of all times, those instincts would have benefited them, as evasion from service is a dangerous enemy.
Bernd Pulch 