Israeli Military Intelligence Goes Back to Basics With Focus on Spies, Not Tech

In the aftermath of the Hamas attack that significantly impacted Israel 22 months ago, the country's military intelligence agency is undergoing a significant transformation. Recognizing the shortcomings exposed by the incident, the agency is shifting its focus away from heavy reliance on technology and toward a renewed emphasis on human intelligence and on-the-ground spycraft. As part of this change, the agency is reviving an Arabic-language recruitment program that targets high school students, aiming to build a cadre of intelligence officers with strong linguistic and cultural knowledge. Additionally, the agency is implementing mandatory training in Arabic and Islam for all troops, ensuring a broader understanding of the regional dynamics. This strategic pivot marks a departure from the previous technology-driven approach, acknowledging the need for a more balanced and adaptable intelligence-gathering capability. The goal is to enhance the agency's ability to anticipate and respond to evolving threats, drawing on the insights and expertise of a diverse pool of human assets.