The Israeli Intelligence Community

that included Uri Ilan back in 1954. As of April 1963, following the resignation of Isser Harel, Amit served in a dual capacity – director of AMAN and acting director of the Mossad – for the first and only time in the history of Israel.

In 1962, Sayeret Matkal executed intelligence operations that yielded electronic intelligence sources on the Syrian Golan Heights. By now, trained, properly equipped, and briefed soldiers were sent to execute these missions, pursuant to the lessons derived from the operational failure of the IDF detachment

In the 1950s, Israel consolidated a comprehensive national security concept that consisted of three elements: deterrence, early warning, and overbalance. At the basis of this concept stood the realization that Israel was inherently inferior to its enemies, and military strength was vital to ensuring its existence and security.

Ben-Gurion endeavored to base the Israeli Air Force and Intelligence Corps on a primary nucleus of regular service personnel, so that they will be able to deliver a prompt initial response.

During Harkabi’s term as director of AMAN, the rift between the IDF, AMAN, and the political echelon was mended. The IDF embarked on a process of preparing for war, based on the estimate that a “second round” should be expected. For this purpose, an ongoing intelligence effort of aerial mapping was undertaken during the year 1955. In June 1955, a c

THE IRAQI NUCLEAR PROGRAM

THE OPERATIONAL TECHNOLOGY UNIT With the establishment of military intelligence, a technology unit (Intel 8 and subsequently Unit 432) was established as well. This unit provided AMAN, the Mossad, and the SHABAK with photographic services, chemical secret writing resources, forged documents and certificates, development and issuance of covert commu

In the last few decades, Sayeret Matkal, along with the operational technology intelligence unit, belong to the special operations organ (MEM-MEM) within the IDF Intelligence Directorate.

In 1957, Harkabi decided to establish a new unit of Arabized operators within the HUMINT