Former Israeli Undercover Agent Breaks Down Tactics Used in Palestine | WSJ

Summary

The video script details a high-stakes undercover operation by Israeli forces to rescue hostages held by Hamas in Gaza, resulting in a firefight and significant casualties. It features Shir Peled, a female officer from Yamas, an Israeli border police unit skilled in Arab culture and tactics. The script highlights the challenges of deep-cover missions, including blending in, using vehicles as disguises, and the element of surprise. It also touches on the broader context of Israel's use of undercover teams for national security and the risks involved in such operations.

Takeaways

• 🎖️ The script describes a high-stakes mission to rescue hostages held by Hamas in Gaza, highlighting the role of undercover operations in Israel's national security.
• 🔍 It introduces Shir Peled, one of the first female undercover officers in the Israeli border police's Yamas unit, emphasizing the importance of tactical innovation and blending in.
• 🌐 Covert operations have been integral to Israel's security since its founding, with units like Peled's infiltrating Palestinian militant strongholds, especially during the Second Intifada.
• 🕵️‍♂️ The term 'mistaravim' is used to refer to undercover Israeli agents proficient in Arab culture, whose missions include hostage rescue and capturing high-value targets.
• 👥 Undercover fighters must blend in effectively, acting like civilians until the moment they need to act as soldiers, requiring a unique skillset.
• 🚚 The use of civilian vehicles as part of undercover operations is mentioned, serving as a disguise to transport special forces close to targets.
• 💥 The script recounts a specific operation where the Israeli Air Force provided cover for hostage rescue teams, resulting in a significant number of casualties on both sides.
• 🏥 It discusses an undercover operation within a West Bank hospital, where Israeli agents disguised as medics and civilians neutralized Palestinian militants.
• 🗣️ The element of surprise is critical in undercover operations, as seen in a demonstration where operatives acted quickly amidst chaos.
• 🕵️‍♀️ The success of undercover missions relies heavily on intelligence gathering by a network of informants and agents, often requiring a large military presence on standby.
• 🛡️ Despite the risks and complexities, the script illustrates the experience and expertise developed by Israel's military in conducting effective undercover operations over decades.

Q & A

What was the main objective of the daylight raid in Gaza conducted by the Israeli forces?

The main objective of the daylight raid was to rescue four Israeli hostages who were held captive by Hamas in Gaza.

What is the significance of the undercover unit within the Israeli border police known as Yamas?

The significance of the Yamas unit is their ability to infiltrate Palestinian militant strongholds and neutralize threats before they can harm Israeli civilians or carry out attacks.

What does the term 'mistaravim' refer to in the context of Israeli security forces?

Mistaravim refers to Israeli undercover agents who are proficient in Arab culture and can blend in to carry out covert operations in Palestinian territories.

What is the primary role of Shir Peled as one of the first female undercover officers in the Yamas unit?

Shir Peled's primary role is to develop new tactical methods for fighting and blending in the fields, working deep undercover to counter threats from Palestinian militants.

How did the undercover operations extend their work during the Second Intifada?

During the Second Intifada, the undercover units expanded their operations to infiltrate and neutralize terrorists before they could carry out attacks on Israeli civilians.

What was the role of the Israeli Air Force in the hostage rescue operation in Nuseirat refugee camp?

The Israeli Air Force provided cover for the hostage rescue teams by striking a planned list of targets in Nuseirat to distract Hamas from the operation.

What was the reported number of casualties on both sides following the Nuseirat operation?

Palestinian health authorities reported 274 Gazans killed and nearly 700 injured, while the Israeli military stated about 100 Gazans were killed or wounded, including militants and civilians.

What was the strategy behind using civilian vehicles during the hostage rescue operation?

The use of civilian vehicles was part of the cover story to blend in with the surroundings and transport Israeli special forces near the Nuseirat refugee camp without arousing suspicion.

What challenges do undercover fighters face when operating in crowded territories like the West Bank hospital raid?

Undercover fighters face the challenge of maintaining secrecy and the element of surprise in crowded areas, where any slip-up can lead to exposure and increased danger for the operatives.

How do undercover missions rely on intelligence gathering and what is the risk involved?

Undercover missions rely heavily on weeks of intelligence gathering by a network of informants and agents to plan operations. The risk involved includes the danger to operatives' lives from the moment they enter the field.

What was the outcome of the undercover operation in the West Bank hospital and the criticism it drew?

The operation resulted in the killing of three Palestinian militants hiding in the hospital. It drew criticism for Israel's actions within a hospital, which is typically considered a neutral and safe area.