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.

Outlines

00:00

🔍 Undercover Operations in Israel: Espionage and Rescue Missions

This paragraph details a high-stakes undercover mission by the Israeli border police to rescue hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. The operation resulted in the rescue of four Israeli hostages and a significant number of casualties. It introduces Shir Peled, one of the first female undercover officers to work with Yamas, a specialist unit, and discusses the tactics and skills needed for deep undercover work. The paragraph also touches on the broader context of covert operations as a key element of Israel's national security strategy, including the use of civilian vehicles as part of their disguise and the challenges faced in such operations.

05:01

🛡️ The Role of Undercover Agents in Israel's Counter-Terrorism Efforts

The second paragraph delves into the various roles undercover agents, known as mistaravim, play in Israel's counter-terrorism operations. It describes how these agents are trained to blend into Arab culture and execute missions ranging from hostage rescue to capturing high-value targets. The paragraph also highlights the use of disguises, including vehicles and accessories, to maintain cover in the field. It recounts a specific operation in a West Bank hospital where undercover agents disguised as Palestinian medics neutralized militants and discusses the risks and complexities involved in such operations. The narrative emphasizes the importance of intelligence gathering and the cooperation between different units in executing these critical missions.

Keywords

💡Hostages

Hostages in this context refer to individuals who are held captive against their will, often as a means of leverage or to achieve certain goals. In the video, the focus is on a daring mission to rescue four Israeli hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. This mission is a central part of the video's theme, highlighting the challenges and risks involved in covert operations to save lives.

💡Espionage

Espionage is the practice of spying or using spies to gather secret or confidential information. The video opens with a mission that reveals the world of espionage, emphasizing the covert nature of operations and the intelligence gathering that is crucial for their success. Espionage is a key element in understanding the tactics and strategies used by undercover units.

💡Undercover

Undercover operations involve working secretly, often disguised as members of a different group, to gather information or carry out missions. The video discusses the role of undercover officers in Israeli border police, who blend in with their surroundings to infiltrate enemy territory and execute their missions. This concept is central to the video's narrative, showcasing the skills and tactics required for such operations.

💡Tactics

Tactics refer to the specific methods or strategies used to achieve a goal, especially in military or covert operations. The video highlights the importance of developing new tactical methods for undercover fighters to blend in and carry out their missions effectively. Tactics are a key part of the video's exploration of how these operations are conducted.

💡Mistaravim

Mistaravim is a term used to describe Israeli undercover agents who are proficient in Arab culture and language. The video mentions these agents in the context of their ability to blend in with the local population, which is crucial for their covert operations. This term is significant in understanding the cultural and linguistic skills required for undercover work in the region.

💡Intifada

Intifada refers to a Palestinian uprising against Israeli occupation. The video mentions the Second Intifada, during which the work of undercover units was extended. This historical context is important for understanding the increased need for covert operations during periods of heightened conflict.

💡Disguise

Disguise in the video refers to the use of costumes and accessories to blend in and conceal one's true identity. It is a critical aspect of undercover operations, as agents must convincingly portray different roles to avoid detection. The video provides examples of agents using vehicles and accessories like wheelchairs to maintain their cover.

💡Covert Operations

Covert operations are secret or hidden activities, often carried out by intelligence agencies or military units. The video discusses the role of covert operations in Israel's national security, emphasizing their importance in infiltrating enemy territory and neutralizing threats. Covert operations are a central theme of the video, illustrating the risks and complexities involved.

💡Crossfire

Crossfire refers to being caught in the middle of a battle or gunfire, often resulting in unintended casualties. The video mentions civilians caught in the crossfire during the Nuseirat operation, highlighting the risks and collateral damage that can occur during covert operations. This term is significant in understanding the broader impact of these operations on the local population.

💡Informants

Informants are individuals who provide information, often secretly, to authorities or intelligence agencies. The video discusses the use of a network of Palestinian informants and undercover Israeli agents in gathering intelligence for covert operations. Informants play a crucial role in the success of these operations, providing critical information that enables agents to plan and execute their missions.

💡Surprise

Surprise in the context of the video refers to the element of catching the enemy off guard, which is crucial in covert operations. The video illustrates how the element of surprise can be used to quickly neutralize threats, as seen in the hospital raid where undercover agents disguised as medics and civilians quickly take action. This concept is key in understanding the tactics used in these high-stakes missions.

Highlights

A daring daylight raid rescued four Israeli hostages held by Hamas in Gaza, showcasing a world of espionage.

Shir Peled, one of the first female undercover officers, discusses the tactics and skills required for deep undercover work.

Covert operations are a key part of Israel's national security, especially during the Second Intifada.

Undercover units like Peled's have infiltrated Palestinian militant strongholds for decades.

Mistaravim refers to undercover teams proficient in Arab culture, with missions ranging from hostage rescue to capturing high-value targets.

Undercover fighters must blend in like a movie set, maintaining a calm demeanor before becoming soldiers and fighters.

Israel's use of civilian vehicles as part of their undercover operations was highlighted by eyewitness accounts.

The Israeli Air Force's role in providing cover for hostage rescue teams by striking targets in Nuseirat.

The significant discrepancy between Palestinian and Israeli military reports on the number of casualties during the operation.

The importance of thinking and working within uncertainty in the field for undercover operatives.

A previous undercover operation in a West Bank hospital resulted in the killing of three Palestinian militants.

The criticism Israel faced for conducting operations within a hospital and their justification for doing so.

The use of disguises and accessories by undercover agents to conceal their gear and maintain the element of surprise.

The reliance of undercover missions on intelligence gathering by networks of informants and agents.

The inherent risks of undercover operations, as exemplified by the death of a rescue team commander.

The successful rescue of hostages from Gaza reflects the experience and expertise developed by Israel's military over decades.

The complexity of executing operations like the Gaza rescue, requiring diverse information and tactical methods.

Transcripts

(gun firing)

- [Narrator] It was a daring mission

to save hostages trapped in a war zone.

The daylight raid that rescued four Israelis held captive

by Hamas in Gaza opened a window to a world of espionage.

(arsenal firing)

The rescue, which left at least a hundred dead, is just one

among a string of undercover operations captured on video.

(engaging music)

The Journal sat down with Shir Peled, one

of the first female undercover officers to work with Yamas,

a specialist unit within the Israeli border police.

- Our job as undercover fighters is to always come up

with new tactical methods to fight in

and to blend in the fields.

- [Narrator] We asked her to explain the tactics

and skills required to work deep undercover.

(light music)

Covert operations have been a pillar

of Israel's national security since its founding.

- Israel is always very vulnerable for threats around us,

so we need to be very alert all the time.

- [Narrator] Units like Peled's have infiltrated

Palestinian militant strongholds for decades,

but extended their work during the Second Intifada.

- The undercover unit of the border police was established

and the significance was the the ability

to move in the field and getting to those terrorists

before they're blowing themselves up

or going to stab the Israeli civilians.

(engaging music)

- [Narrator] Israel's undercover teams are sometimes

referred to as mistaravim,

meaning those who are proficient in Arab culture.

Their missions range from rescuing hostages to killing

or capturing high-value targets in Palestinian territories.

It requires a very specific skillset.

- Undercover fighters are, first of all, fighters.

We need to really blend in like a set of a movie

and be very quiet

and be very chill in order to get to our targets

and then drop off our costumes

and become soldiers and fighters.

- [Narrator] Israel has declined to discuss the use

of civilian vehicles

during the hostage rescue operation in June.

However, eyewitnesses said this commercial truck transported

Israeli special forces near the Nuseirat refugee camp

on the day of the mission.

- The vehicles are a part of the cover story in the field.

We can't always do it on foot,

and a vehicle is really like a costume.

It's not enough to find the right vehicle.

You need to disguise it

so it will work out in this specific territory.

(light music)

(guns firing)

- [Narrator] Video released by Israeli police shows

commandos wearing battle fatigues when they entered the

apartment to reach the hostages.

(group speaking in a foreign language)

But Peled believes the work

of the advanced undercover teams led to this moment.

- After the word act on the radio,

the undercover team was already exposed

and the uniform team went into action.

The uniform unit took control over the operation

and went inside the house to save the hostages.

(group speaking in a foreign language)

(guns firing) - [Narrator] A battle erupted

in the streets when an outbreak of gunfire alerted Hamas

to the operation.

(bomb exploding)

The Israeli Air Force struck a planned list

of targets in Nuseirat to lay cover

for the hostage rescue teams.

Palestinian health authorities said 274 Gazans were killed

and nearly 700 injured.

The Israeli military said about 100 Gazans were killed

or wounded, including militants

and civilians caught in the crossfire.

- When we go in the field,

the only thing that we know for sure is

that everything around us can happen.

Nothing is in my control

and I need to learn how to think

and work inside of uncertainty, really big uncertainty.

(engaging music)

- [Narrator] This isn't the first time undercover teams have

been involved in high-stakes missions.

Four months earlier,

security footage captured this dramatic raid

inside a West Bank hospital.

- You can see the undercover team inside a hospital already

after they got the word act and pull out their guns.

- [Narrator] The armed Israeli agents disguised

as Palestinian medics, patients

and civilians can be seen rushing

through the hospital's corridors.

- This is unusual

because usually we don't really go in buildings

unless we have to.

Part of the costume is actually the accessories,

the wheelchair, and a lot of other accessories,

maybe to conceal part of the gear

to help them go in without anybody seeing

something suspicious.

- [Narrator] Three Palestinian militants were killed in

this operation, which drew criticism of Israel

for operating within a hospital.

Israel said the militants had been hiding in the hospital

and using it as a base for planning terrorist activities

and carrying out attacks.

Other instances where undercover agents have posed

as Palestinians include protests,

- Everything in a demonstration happens in a split second.

So when everybody's focused of throwing stones,

they may be become more violent during the demonstrations,

they really lose focus on what's happening around them.

And then when the undercover fighters act

and it happens in seconds,

the element of surprise is very critical.

- [Narrator] In this footage, protesters can be seen

focusing on stone throwing while behind them

a team of Israeli undercover operatives seen here are about

to move in on their targets.

(engaging music)

- They're exposed, they catch him, and it's over.

It's over in seconds.

- [Narrator] Undercover missions rely on weeks

of intelligence gathering by a network

of Palestinian informants and undercover Israeli agents.

They can also require thousands of soldiers on standby.

- The risks inside a big operation like we saw

with the hostage, is from the minutes you get in the field,

your life is in danger.

We saw that one of the commanders

of the rescue team was killed.

That can happen when you work in a very crowded territory.

- [Narrator] Israel said 116 hostages remained in Gaza

following the Nuseirat operation.

But the successful rescue

of four hostages from deep within Gaza is reflective

of the experience Israel's military has developed over

decades running undercover teams.

- In order to execute an operation like that, you have

to come up with information

and tactic methods from all kinds,

because it's a very complicated thing

to do in a very complicated time.

It's not a usual undercover classic work.

And to see that kind of cooperation

was really, for me, the brilliant thing in this operation.

(engaging music)