Israel’s distracted deep state.
Israel’s Intelligence and Security Services: A Distraction from their Core Mission
In a twisted way, it’s understandable that Israel’s renowned intelligence and security services failed to prevent the most devastating massacre of Jews in their country in fifty years. They have been unforgivably distracted.
Over the past year, the members of Mossad and Shin Bet have been preoccupied with resisting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition government and its attempts to reform an imperious and undemocratic justice system.
In addition to the outcry from former top spies and security chiefs, who have written letters decrying Netanyahu’s judicial reforms, hundreds of elite reservists announced in March that they would not fulfill their duties in protest of the prime minister.
Earlier this year, the Times of Israel reported that Mossad chief David Barnea allowed some of his agents to participate in the protests. A leaked U.S. intelligence document revealed that Mossad leaders went even further, advocating for officials and citizens to protest the proposed judicial reforms.
Last month, former Mossad chief Tamir Pardo made headlines by stating that he believed Israel had become an “apartheid state,” echoing the rhetoric of Israel’s adversaries.
Today’s terror attacks serve as a stark reminder that the Shin Bet and Mossad should prioritize their core mission. Israel has invested heavily in surveillance technology and human intelligence in Gaza. If these agencies failed to detect such a significant plot, perhaps they should leave politics to the politicians and focus on defending Israel.
This revolt within Israel’s deep state is reminiscent of the tactics employed by the FBI and the permanent bureaucracy during the Trump era. Leaks, baseless investigations, and former officials spreading innuendo about Trump’s alleged ties to Russia were all justified in the name of protecting democracy. However, Israel has a much smaller margin for error than the United States.
When the institutions and leaders responsible for safeguarding the world’s only Jewish state prioritize politics over their duties, catastrophe ensues.
What steps should Israel’s intelligence and security agencies take to refocus their efforts on their core mission and enhance their capabilities in identifying and neutralizing threats
Ty years. The massacre that took place at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on October 27, 2018 shocked the world and highlighted a glaring blind spot in Israel’s intelligence and security apparatus. While the mission of these agencies is undoubtedly crucial for the protection of the country, their preoccupation with other matters has led to a neglect of their core mission.
Israel is known worldwide for its robust intelligence and security services, such as the Mossad, Shin Bet, and Aman, which operate with significant autonomy and authority. These agencies have gained notoriety for their successful operations, such as the capture of Adolf Eichmann, the assassination of Hezbollah leader Imad Mughniyeh, and countless other covert activities that protect Israeli national security.
However, in recent years, these agencies have been increasingly involved in non-mission critical activities that distract them from their core objectives. Rather than focusing exclusively on intelligence gathering, counterterrorism, and protecting Israeli citizens, these agencies have been allocating significant resources to other areas, such as cyber warfare, international espionage, and even targeted assassinations of individuals not directly involved in threatening Israel’s security.
While it is undeniable that cyber warfare and international espionage are crucial in an increasingly interconnected world, it is essential not to lose sight of the original mandate of these agencies. Intelligence gathering to prevent terrorism and ensure the security of the Israeli population should be the primary focus. By diverting resources and attention away from this core mission, these distractions can have deadly consequences, as exemplified by the Pittsburgh massacre.
The failure to prevent the Pittsburgh massacre raises serious questions about the effectiveness of Israel’s intelligence and security apparatus. How is it possible that agencies with such impressive track records could overlook an individual who expressed open anti-Semitic views and threatened violence? The answer lies in the diversion of resources and attention towards less critical activities.
Some might argue that these distractions are necessary for Israel’s national security. After all, engaging in cyber warfare and international espionage enables Israel to stay ahead of its adversaries and protect itself in the complex geopolitical landscape. However, it is crucial to strike a balance between these activities and the core mission of intelligence and security agencies.
By prioritizing their core mission, these agencies can enhance their capabilities in identifying and neutralizing threats, both domestic and international. This entails comprehensive intelligence gathering, efficient information sharing among different branches of the security apparatus, and proactive measures to prevent potential attacks. Resources should be directed towards developing cutting-edge intelligence capabilities, improving surveillance techniques, and fostering cooperation with foreign partners who share similar security concerns.
Furthermore, it is imperative to prioritize community engagement and intelligence gathering at grassroots levels. Effectively combating domestic terrorism requires understanding and addressing the root causes, as well as building trust with local communities. This requires intelligence agencies to allocate resources and manpower to engage with community leaders, religious institutions, and social organizations to gain valuable insights and intelligence.
Israel’s intelligence and security agencies must refocus their efforts and streamline their activities to prioritize their core mission. By doing so, they can ensure the safety and security of Israeli citizens, as well as contribute to the broader global fight against terrorism. While engaging in cyber warfare, international espionage, and targeted assassinations may have strategic value, they should not come at the expense of neglecting the primary responsibility of the intelligence and security services. Only by refocusing on their core mission can these agencies truly fulfill their purpose and protect the Israeli people.
" Conservative News Daily does not always share or support the views and opinions expressed here; they are just those of the writer."
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Now loading...