Stand off – Israel is watching Egypt from afar

Stand off – Israel is watching Egypt from afar

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In light of the recent developments in the Middle East Israel stepped up its intelligence-gathering efforts, mostly by electronic means, in order to detect any possible threat.

CAEW wiiewed from rear, installed onboard a modified Gulfstream G550 business jet, IAI
Illustration Photo, CAEW viewed from rear, installed onboard a modified Gulfstream G550 business jet, IAI

The coup in Egypt, and the bloody events that followed and their implications for the entire region created an urgent need to intensify electronic intelligence-gathering operations. Air Force intelligence aircraft, ground stations and UAVs usually take part in these operations, but when it comes to Egypt Israel needs to monitor events without actually leaving Israeli territory, using stand-off systems.

A special Air Force unit operates the Shavit (comet) aircraft, for example. The Shavit is an executive jet converted by IAI (Israeli Aerospace Industries) to serve as an electronic intelligence aircraft. The Shavit can remain airborne for long periods of time, and is equipped with advanced communications equipment capable of monitoring transmissions at a very long range.

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These stand off intelligence efforts also include UAVs and outpost on the ground, along the border between Israel and the country of interest.

Meanwhile, the Israeli defense establishment continues to monitor Iran, mostly through Israeli spy satellites. These satellites are equipped with advanced optic and radar systems, making it possible to monitor Iran at all times despite poor visibility conditions.

These satellites, also allow Israel to keep almost constant watch over dangerous areas such as the Sinai Peninsula, or other countries – like Yemen – that have become terrorist strongholds.

Stand-off intelligence gathering is a powerful tool, and Israel knows how to utilize it using systems it has developed itself.

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