Wars Are Won Before the First Shot Is Fired

Most people think that war has started when missiles are flying, soldiers are moving, and fighters are flying in the sky, but in reality the most significant battles sometimes occur before the first shot is exchanged.

For decades Israel has demonstrated that wars are not fought only with military might. From countering terrorist networks to keeping an eye on hostile military movements, to operations of immense complexity far from its borders, intelligence has always been an vital component in the foundation of successful military action.

Israel’s experience unfolds a broader truth about the dynamic nature of modern day warfare, historically, wars were based upon a huge infantry and an heavy artillery, however in the 21st century, Information gives strategic advantage and the victory belongs to those who can gather effective information, analyse it, anticipate the threats and act more quickly than their adversaries.

The most effective weapon of the modern day warfare doesn’t leave a crater, It leaves an Information advantage.

The history of Israel provides the finest examples of how intelligence plays a vital role in influencing national security. The capture of Adolf Eichmann in Argentina in 1960 symbolized that intelligence agencies have the capacity to operate across continents. The Entebbe rescue operation of 1976 showcased the importance of intelligence gathering, planning, and operational precision, far before commandos could arrive at their destination. Recently, Israel has been seeking to better keep track of regional threats, making intelligence a more vital factor in the volatile Middle East.

Intelligence is not just important because of its accomplishments.

What happened on October 7, 2023, is a reminder that as important as the achievements of intelligence can be, they can also have equally devastating consequences when intelligence fails. The attack came as a surprise to Israel, raising both difficult questions about threat assessment and preparedness as well as strategic warning.

It’s not as if intelligence stopped being important in the lesson. Instead, it underscored the importance of proper intelligence to national security.