Israeli Military Becoming Increasingly Concerned About Its Cyber Security and Cyber Attack Capabilities

Yaakov Lappin

April 13, 2015

IDF works to ward off potential cyber threat while developing cyber attack capabilities

The IDF is looking at the possibility of unifying cyber defenses and offenses into a single branch. The functions are currently carried out by two separate bodies within the military.

According to a report by the Hebrew language People and Computerstechnological website, IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Gadi Eisenkot could set up a single center that would bring military cyber defenders and attackers together.

The IDF Spokesman Unit confirmed the report on Monday, saying that the issue is being examined by a team from the General Staff, which will then “present its conclusions for Eisenkot’s approval.” Currently, Military Intelligence is in charge of cyber attacks, while the C4i (Command and Control,Communications, and Computers) Directorate runs cyber defenses from its Cyber Defense Division.

According to People and Computers, should the IDF set up a joint wing, it will constitute a full military branch, with wide-ranging authority.

As the IDF becomes increasingly dependent on digital networks for its combat capabilities, the issue of cyber security has become paramount.