Our five questions this time go to the Israeli scientist Kobi Michael. We have worked with We spoke to the security expert about Israeli intelligence services and how they differ from other services.
Mr. Michael, Israeli intelligence services are among the best in the world. Can you give us an overview of the services?
The three most important are the military intelligence service (Aman), the domestic intelligence service (Shin Bet) and the Central Intelligence and Security Service (Mossad). We also have an intelligence department in the Foreign Ministry and an intelligence service in the police. But these two are rather secondary when it comes to national security. Aman, Shin Bet and Mossad are very well coordinated, very experienced, innovative and technologically oriented. We see the results in the military campaign in Iran or against Hezbollah and even against Hamas. This does not mean that the Israeli secret services do not make mistakes. We experienced a failure of the services on October 7, 2023, with far-reaching consequences.
“An existential threat that forces us to be the best, otherwise Israel would no longer exist.”
How do Israeli intelligence services differ from US and European ones?
First of all, it’s the experience when it comes to the Middle East. There are no other services that are as familiar with the region. Secondly, we have very young people in the intelligence services who are energetic on the one hand and very innovative and creative on the other. This has to do with the idea of Israel as a start-up nation, where technological innovation, creativity and informality are considered important. All of these characteristics ultimately influence and shape the culture of the Israeli intelligence services. And then there is the threat we live under, an existential threat that inscribes itself into the cognitive consciousness and forces us to be the best, otherwise Israel would cease to exist.
Let’s take a look at the operation against Hezbollah in autumn 2024, in which large parts of the organization’s leadership were eliminated. How long do the intelligence services prepare for such an operation, what steps are required and were they supported by other services?
I think the preparations for this operation have been going on for at least two decades. It’s like the work of an ant. Layer by layer, information is gathered over the years and operational capacities are built up. The Shin Bet was only marginally involved, the Mossad and military intelligence were mainly active. However, these two services do not work alone, but cooperate extensively with external agencies that are not part of the intelligence services, but can still make a contribution. We can assume cooperation with other intelligence services, in all probability with the Americans.
The Mossad is known for operations that include sabotage and targeted killings. Is there formal oversight for such operations?
Yes, of course. The head of the Mossad cannot decide on this alone. The final decision lies with the government, led by the prime minister, which must also weigh up the possible consequences of such a targeted action. The responsibility for the potential consequences always lies with the government. That is why the head of the Mossad reports directly to the Prime Minister.
“An investigation into the incidents of October 7 will only take place after the next elections.”
Do you think there will soon be an investigation into the events surrounding the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023?
Considering the huge gap between the incredible capabilities of the Israeli intelligence services on the one hand and the failure of October 7 on the other, the frustration is great. This will be with us for a very long time. But I think an investigation into the October 7 incidents will not happen until after the next elections.
Here for the other articles in our “5 questions to” series and here for another article on the topic: Gershon Baskin on the war in Gaza.
