State of Security: Defense Options for Israel

Israel’s New Potential Intelligence Alliance

In the world of intelligence, the “Five Eyes” is an intelligence alliance comprising Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States. All of these countries are parties to the UKUSA Agreement. The Five Eyes alliance was created after World War II when the Allies sought to shape the post-war world balance of power.

It would be in Israel’s best interest to become a signatory to the Five Eyes alliance. Membership in this alliance would strengthen Israel’s security by aligning Israel with the five leading English-speaking Western nations.

New Intermediate-Range Missile

In August, the United States withdrew from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty, which had prohibited the United States and Russia from deploying land-based nuclear or conventional missiles with ranges of 500 to 5,500 kilometers. The United States withdrew from the treaty after accusing Russia of cheating.

Recently, the United States Department of Defense announced that it had conducted a flight test of a conventionally configured ground-launched cruise missile at San Nicolas Island in California; according to National Defense magazine.

According to the Pentagon, “The test missile exited its ground mobile launcher and accurately impacted its target after more than 500 kilometers of flight.” Moreover, “Data collected and lessons learned from this test will inform the Department of Defense’s development of further intermediate-range capabilities.”

Since the US is no longer party to the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty, the State of Israel should partner with the Pentagon to jointly develop intermediate-range missiles.

Israel’s Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd can work with American defense contractors to develop the new missiles. This will strengthen both the security of the United States and Israel.

United States, Russian Federation, and Israel

Israel’s global security is sensitive and unique because Israel is an ally of the United States and the Russian Federation. Moreover, nearly twenty percent of Israel’s population is Russian speaking.

Jerusalem may be able to “strategically leverage” its relationships with both Washington and Moscow. Israel may serve as a “bridge of cooperation” between the US and Russia. It would be wise for Israel to develop weapons systems with both countries.

In conclusion, it is proposed that Israel join the “Five Eyes” intelligence alliance; that Israel work with the United States to develop missiles in the Post-INF world; that Israel leverage its relationships with Russia an and the United States. This will allow Israel to remain a regional superpower.