The Israeli Approach to Irregular Warfare and Implications for the United States
Abstract
In this publication, Dr. Henriksen discusses the formation, development, and employment of Israeli Special Operations Forces. An informative survey of units and forces underpins Dr. Henriksen's lucid analysis of the strategic and operational conditions and environment in which they are employed. The strategic challenges facing Israel require innovative security solutions, and they have shaped the way Israel created and nurtured a variety of Special Operations Forces. One can argue that the security challenges of Israel are the security concerns of the United States writ small. Terrorist and insurgent forces constantly threaten the country and highlight the need for effective border security to mitigate cross-border attacks and infiltrations. Israel's relatively small size exacerbates these threats and intuitively leads to understanding the requirement for a proactive combating terrorism or counterterrorist program vice a reactive policy. The need for a proactive approach emphasizes the need for effective and timely intelligence, especially Human Intelligence (HUMINT), and the linking of operational missions with the requirement for actionable intelligence. For all of the author's insight into Israeli capabilities and success, he does highlight that Israel has been able to reduce, but not eliminate, the terrorist threat to the country. Counterinsurgency, combating terrorism, and counterterrorism strategies and operations can ameliorate or moderate terrorist actions, but ultimately only a long-term political solution between the warring parties will end an insurgency or terror campaign. Sadly, the current situation for Israel and its neighbors indicates that a viable political settlement is not in sight and, consequently, Israeli Special Operations Forces will have to continue engaging the country's enemies.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 01, 2007
- Accession Number
- ADA495467
Entities
People
- Thomas H. Henriksen
Organizations
- Joint Special Operations University