Analysis: IDF Intelligence takes aim at arms smuggling

Recent changes in the IDF's Military Intelligence are described by a senior security source as dramatic.

By YAAKOV LAPPIN
A combat intelligence soldier surveying the field. (photo credit: IDF Spokesman’s Office)
A combat intelligence soldier surveying the field.
(photo credit: IDF Spokesman’s Office)
It seems reasonable to believe that one of the defense establishment’s core areas of concern is the attempts by Israel’s enemies to arm themselves with advanced weapons.
Hezbollah is believed to be armed with some 100,000 rockets and missiles, including a small but deadly collection of satellite- guided projectiles that can be used to target key Israeli installations and national infrastructure sites in a future war. It is fair to assume that the IDF is not willing to watch that collection grow.
In recent years, Military Intelligence has created a detailed list of Hezbollah targets.
Military Intelligence is also growing in size, to cope with the mushrooming of global jihadi operatives in next-door Syria. The IDF remains concerned that al-Qaida affiliated organizations will seek to turn their guns, bombs, and rockets against Israel in the future.
The security source described changes at Military Intelligence as “dramatic,” adding that “a thousand people moved from one place to another” as part of the restructuring.
The goal is to allow the “end user” – a battalion or company commander – to receive the most up-to-date and relevant information for his battle arena.
“Intelligence is important, not just because of technology. If we don’t have a clue whom we should shoot at, we will end up firing in many directions,” the source said, adding that good intelligence will result in a quick, accurate, and decisive blow to enemies.
Sometimes, such strikes will be in response to attacks, and in other cases they may well be preventive.