Intel & politics

Intelligence File: Military need or political necessity?

Officially, the security cabinet, which usually comprises up to seven or eight ministers, is the most important body of the government. The cabinet is legally authorized by the entire government to discuss and confirm the most sensitive issues of war and peace, special intelligence operations and secret diplomatic missions. It is supposed to be an intimate forum, where its ministers can conduct an open and free debate and reach the right decision. But in reality the cabinet has turned into a kind of debating club and has been bypassed by a smaller group that makes the real decisions.

This privileged group has no legal or official standing but, for all intents and purposes, calls the shots. This is the trio of the prime minister, the defense minister and the chief of staff. Sometimes the chiefs of the Mossad and Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency), the head of Military Intelligence and the commander of the air force are invited to take part in the consultations.