Israel Not To Have Independent Cyber Command Department

Israeli Army has decided not to have a separate cyber command department but will instead strengthen it with new cyber intelligence processing doctrine.

The cyber counter-intelligence domain will be transferred to the Israeli Defense Forces’ (IDF) telecommunications division. The gathering of any other cyber-intelligence will remain the responsibility of the intelligence division, Jerusalem Post reported quoting an unnamed senior IDF personnel Sunday.

The Telecommunications Division will also be responsible for the construction and protection of computer networks.

The decision approved on December 20 by IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Gadi Eisenkot will see the establishment of a cyber-division by the end of the multiyear Gideon plan, but the main goal of the changes would be the enhancing of all military systems and offshoots by dividing cyber networks between the various bodies.

The decision is a reversal of a process which began in July of last year when it was reported that the IDF would be setting up a unified offensive and defensive cyber-warfare center within two years to address the significant challenges that the military faces in the cyber world.

Two months ago, Eisenkot ordered the army to examine the possibility of setting up a cyber arm, but senior military officials had expressed concern over rapid progress toward the change.

According to the senior officer, while the army currently rejected the decision to establish an independent cyber military branch, it will be discussed again at a later date.