FUTURE CHALLENGES
In the present day and age, Israeli intelligence still has to be alert to the
moods in enemy states, principally Syria and especially Iran with its nu-
clear weapons program. But at the same time, the Israeli intelligence
community is committed to assessing opportunities for peace, and the
ISA is required to find openings for dialogue with the Palestinian Au-
thority, in addition to warning of terrorist acts. Another challenge is ac-
quiring intelligence not only on Arab terrorism generated outside Israel
but on Israeli terrorism within as well, focusing on subversive individ-
uals among Israeli Arabs and Jews. Dealing with the Jewish and Arab
sectors in Israel has likewise to be adjusted to the public mood, which
lays increasing stress on human rights.
Yet, regardless of the advances of technology in all fields of Israeli
intelligence activity, the human factor, and the quality of intelligence
personnel, still rate highest. This is attested by the very high bar that has
to be crossed by candidates wishing to enter the ranks of the Israeli in-
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