קוסמי הנשק: כיצד הפכה ישראל למעצמת-על של חדשנות צבאית

by Yaakov Katz, Amir Bohbot, יעקב כץ

מלוויינים ועד מערכות הגנה מפני טילים, ממל"טים ועד לוחמת סייבר, ישראל ניצבת בקו הראשון של שדה הקרב המודרני, חמושה בטכנולוגיה צבאית מתקדמת, מעוררת קנאה והשתאות.
כיצד עשתה זאת? מה סוד ההצלחה הייחודי שלה? זוהי השאלה העומדת ביסודו של הספר הזה, קוסמי הנשק.
זוהי השאלה שהספר משיב עליה בשלל סיפורים על אתגרים ופתרונות, על אכזבות ופריצות דרך.
זהו ספר על כלי נשק, שפותחו והתעצבו בתקופות שונות ובנסיבות שונות.
זהו ספר על ממציאים של כלי נשק שהונעו משאיפות שונות.
זהו ספר על תרבות. תרבות ישראלית מיוחדת במינה של תעוזה וחדשנות. תרבות שהפכה את ישראל למעצמת־על צבאית.

יעקב כץ, העורך הראשי של העיתון 'ג'רוזלם פוסט', היה במשך כעשור הכתב והפרשן הצבאי של העיתון. בשנת 2012 היה עמית בכיר במרכז ניימן לתקשורת באוניברסיטת הרווארד. ספרו הקודם, "ישראל נגד איראן — מלחמת הצללים", ראה אור בהוצאת כנרת ב־2011.

אמיר בוחבוט, הכתב והפרשן לענייני צבא וביטחון של אתר וואלהNews, היה כתב לענייני צבא במעריב.
בוחבוט הוא דוקטורנט בתחום המודיעין והטרור באוניברסיטת בר אילן.

Genres: History, Israel, Nonfiction, Military Fiction, Military History, Technology, Middle East

272 pages, Paperback

First published January 31, 2017

About the author

Yaakov Katz (Hebrew: יעקב כץ) is Editor-in-Chief of The Jerusalem Post. He is a faculty member and lecturer at Harvard University’s Extension School where he teaches an advanced course in journalism. He previously served for close to a decade as the paper's military reporter and defense analyst and is the co-author of the books: The Weapon Wizards: How Israel Became a High-Tech Military Superpower and Israel vs. Iran: The Shadow War. In 2012-2013, Katz was one of 12 international fellows to spend a year at the Nieman Foundation for Journalism at Harvard University. Originally from Chicago, Katz also has a law degree from Bar Ilan University. He lives in Jerusalem with his wife and four children.

Reviews

[Brina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Over Rosh Hashanah I decided that I only wanted to read Jewish themed books. While I have many on my radar, not all of the ones I selected were at the library, so I had to get creative. Checking the National Jewish Book Council's website, I came across a recommendation for The Weapon Wizards: How Israel Became a High-Tech Military Superpower as one of the top books of Jewish nonfiction written this year. I have always been mesmerized by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and how Israel's military stays one step ahead of the game in a region surrounded by enemies. This new book by Yaakov Katz was just what I needed to usher in the new year.

Since gaining independence in 1948, Israel has engaged in at least one war against her neighboring countries in every decade of her existence. Consequently, Israel's military has got to stay on the cutting edge of military intelligence, technology, and advancements in war fare. Yet, the nation is only eight million people strong, or, to put in perspective, the size of New York City. Katz and co-author Amir Bohbot state in their hypothesis that Israel has maintained this edge through three facets: facing adversity at all times, innovative thinking and creativity, and chutzpah; a Yiddish word loosely translated as nerve or little respect for authority. With a mandatory two year service time for women and three years for men, Israel is nation where citizens from all walks of life break down barriers and fight for the common goal of protecting its borders from the constant threat of attack from enemies. Most go on to university and many serve in the IDF long after their required service time is up. The result is two fold- the encouragement of outside the box thinking from all soldiers regardless of rank and a highly educated corps that stays one generation ahead in the world of military technology and innovations.

Because this book is an overview, Katz and Bohbot do not go in depth in any one area, including the formation of the state of Israel and the IDF or discussing any one war at length. The book is divided into chapters based on types of military technology, including drones, satellites, cyber warfare, and diplomatic relations. I found the chapter on drones to epitomize the thinking of the hypothesis of the entire book. In order to stay a step ahead of her belligerent neighbors and minimize casualties, Israeli scientists working for top defense companies and the IDF have developed various drones which allow creative maneuvers on the battlefield. The drones have destroyed convoys in Sudan, spied on developments in Egypt and Gaza, and run computer programs pinpointing both friendly and enemy armed forces in close proximity of their location. These technologies are so advanced, that Israel has actually sold earlier models to countries such as the United States, Russia, and China, allowing for economic flexibility to develop even more technology. This, the authors, believe, have enabled Israel to develop into the military superpower that she is.

What I also found fascinating is various points that the authors address, including that by 2030 Israel's goal is to have most of her potential wars fought by drones, computer warfare, and satellite intelligence, minimizing human casualties. Besides the transparency that already exists within the IDF and spy agencies such as the Mossad today, the goal within the military is to eliminate all but the most necessary human engagement in the field of war. Additionally, the authors point to Israel's outside of the box thinking in terms of diplomatic ties. When Singapore gained her independence from Malaysia, Israel was the first country to reach out and eventually assisted in setting up the new nation's armed forces. Singapore later abstained from a key UN vote condemning Israel much to the chagrin of neighboring Muslim countries. Other diplomatic points addressed include the selling of drones to Russia despite the fact that Russia has largely financed Israel's enemies Syria and Lebanon. This did not sit well with Israel's top ally the United States; however, over the years, the authors have noted that Israel's creative maneuvering has not always been in line with American thinking. As a result, Israeli military innovativeness has stayed even ahead of that of the United States during the nation's history.

Despite the overview style of the book, I really enjoyed The Weapon Wizards: How Israel Became a High-Tech Military Superpower by Yaakov Katz and Amir Bohbot. While the authors do not emphasize any one area of Israeli superiority, they show how Israelis have stayed on the cutting edge of all military advancements in her short existence as a nation. As Israel is the only nation in the world completely surrounded by enemies, she has to stay at least a generation ahead in military technology and miraculously has managed to do so. The Weapon Wizards: How Israel Became a High-Tech Military Superpower was appropriate for welcoming the new year as it offered inspiration in what Israelis face in everyday life and still manage to stay at least one step ahead of the game.

4+ stars

[Steven Z. · Rating 4 out of 5]

On February 6, 2017 Israelis living in the south were once again reminded of the threat of Hamas rockets being launched from the Gaza Strip, when one landed in an uninhabited area. During the summer of 2014 in its war against the Palestinian terrorist group Israel absorbed over 4000 rockets launched against its territory. Since that time Hamas has been trying to replenish its stockpile and prepare itself for the next round of warfare against Israel which will surely come in the not too distant future. Along with Hezbollah’s stockpile of over 100,000 rockets provided by Iran and Syrian dictator, Bashir el-Assad the appearance of a new book entitled, THE WEAPONS WIZARDS: HOW ISRAEL BECAME A HIGH-TECH MILITARY SUPERPOWER by veteran Israeli military correspondence Yaakov Katz and Amir Bohbot is especially timely. The authors provide a unique perspective on how threats and changes in the Middle East political and military landscape have impacted military research and development to try and bring about a degree of security for the Israeli public. Katz and Bohbot discuss a number of weapons systems in detail and reflect how the dangerous neighborhood in which Israel lives influences policies and what had to be done to insure that the continued existence of the Jewish state.

We live in a world where technology continues to evolve at an amazing rate of speed. This has impacted how wars have been fought recently and will continue to impact the battlefield in the future. With the advent of satellites, drones, cyber warfare and other systems, Israel finds itself at the cutting edge of all of these new technologies because if it does not, it may not survive. The question is how a small nation of 8 million people maintains its commitment and implementation of new military technologies on par with superpowers like the United States and Russia. Today, Israel’s exports are electronics, software, and medical devices with weapon systems being 10% of all exports. Israel invests 4.5% of its GDP in research and development, with 30% of that figure geared toward the military.

From its inception in 1948 Israel was forced to develop critical tools – the ability to improvise and adapt to changing realities to survive. According to the authors, Israel is a country with an absence of structure and social hierarchy which spurs innovation. This stems from mandatory service in the Israeli Defense Force (IDF), an army dependent upon its reservist system. The end result is that defense company employees meet soldiers during their reserve commitments where they can examine new weapons designs and other ideas. Israeli engineers have battlefield experience, and their training in the reserves assists them in understanding what the IDF requires in the next war, and how to develop it. Further, the IDF is a melting pot that allows for social integration and the development of an élan that does not necessarily exist in other countries.

The authors do a good job in offering insights into Israeli attitudes toward technology as they relate developments to past events. The psychological impact of the 1973 Yom Kippur War in which Egyptian and Syrian armies launched a preemptive war against Israel was a major catalyst in the Israeli defense community’s change in its military approach, thinking, and training. For Israel “solutions that cross bureaucratic borders and technological limits” are the keys to survival. For Israel certain things are a given; they are always in a state of conflict, combat experience is used to satisfy immediate operational needs, and they are an innovative people who do not stand on ceremony.

The authors recount major events and crises in Israel’s history dating back to the pre-1948 landscape. They recapitulate what has transpired, then focus on how military planners pursued critical self-examination, lessons learned, and how the strategy moving forward prepared the military for the next crisis that would surely come. The Israeli military doctrine was fostered by its first Prime Minister, David Ben-Gurion in 1948 in that to offset the demographic disadvantage, Israel must seek a qualitative military advantage. Israel had to make sure it always has superior quality weapons, not necessarily more of them.

Katz and Bohbot focus in on a number of important figures in the development of Israel’s military technology. Individuals such as former Defense and Prime Minister Shimon Peres who began his career in the early 1950s procuring weapons from France is one of the individuals most responsible for Israel’s defense establishment over a career that ended with his death late last year. Each technological success was fostered by Israelis who had the foresight to carry through with their ideas and beliefs no matter what bureaucratic obstacles lay before them. IDF Major Shabtai Brill of the Military Intelligence Directorate was a driving force in the development of drone technology. Lt. Colonel Effie Defrin an armored brigade commander was intricately involved in the development and upgrading of the Merkava tank program. Colonel Haim Eshel helped foster the creation of Israel’s satellite program, and Brigadier General Danny Gold was a prime mover in bringing on line the Iron Dome Missile Defense System. In all cases these individuals realized that Israel could not rely on other countries for their weapons systems, as procurement was influenced by geo-political strategies and events worldwide.

Israeli officials learned early on when to cooperate and develop joint programs with other nations and when to go it alone. For example, the partnership with the United States in creating the Iron Dome Missile System dates back to the 1991 Gulf War when Iraq launched 39 Scud missiles into Israel. Further impetus was provided as Hamas launched its first rocket attack against Israel in April, 2001, and the 2006 war with Hezbollah that witnessed over 4300 rocket attacks against the Jewish state. This resulted in a joint effort with the United States, which provided most of the funding and some technology, as it used its financial support as a means of lessening Israeli security concerns by promoting the missile system in return for negotiations with the Palestinians. This strategy was employed by the Obama administration early in its tenure in office, but since the Iron Dome went operational in March, 2011, with a 90% kill ratio, its peace strategy failed.

Recently cyber warfare has begun to dominate the news relating to Russian activity trying to influence the 2016 presidential election. From Vladimir Putin’s perspective it has been very successful, and one wonders about the future of a full scale cyber war and what it portends. The authors discuss one of the most successful cyber-attacks in recent years as Israel and the United States tried to derail Iran’s nuclear program. Once the world learned of Iran’s Natanz facility that housed tens of thousands of centrifuges used to enrich uranium in August, 2002 Israel immediately began a program of killing Iranian scientists, sabotaging deliveries of important materials to Iran, and developing Stuxnet, a dangerous virus that would set back the Iranian nuclear program for about two years. The Iranian threat fostered the reorganization of Israel’s cyber warfare capabilities creating Unit 8200, a military cyber command and resulted in the creation of over 100 high tech companies and startups as the military and the private sector allied to face the cyber threat. The authors also explore how Israel destroyed the Syrian nuclear reactor in 2007, and the implications of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu constant threats to destroy Iran’s nuclear facilities.

Katz and Bohbot provide an excellent chapter dealing with the integration of Israeli military technology and diplomacy. Since its inception defense ties and arms sales played a significant role in bringing billions of dollars into the Israeli economy. Not only did weapons sales bring in enormous profits for the Israeli defense industry, it also furthered diplomatic ties with certain countries. The authors detail arms diplomacy with China, India, and Singapore reflecting on its successes and failures.

The authors repeatedly reiterate that the key to Israel’s survival is its ability to innovate and solve problems during military conflict that was unexpected. The most recent cases deal with Gaza and Russia. During the 2014 war with Hamas, the major new problem was tunnels that were used to attack Israeli Kibbutzim. Israel was aware of the tunnel problem, but not the sophistication and interlocking pathways underground. It took Israel over 50 days and the death of dozens of Israeli soldiers and hundreds of Palestinians to solve the problem and shut down over 30 tunnels. As new technology was applied to resolve the threat it showed “that Israel’s experience during the Gaza War showed the IDF that as prepared as it might think it is for war, it can always be surprised.” Another situation evolved with Russia in applying the leverage of drone sales to Moscow to block the sale of sophisticated missiles to Iran that could protect their nuclear facilities. Israel thought it had the situation in hand when more sophisticated missiles turned up in Syria as Putin did his best to retain Assad in power. Once again showing that arms diplomacy and war cannot be totally predicted.

For Israel, the neighborhood they live in is not some virtual threat, but it’s a daily reality that the authors constantly focus upon as each official, scientist, or engineer are constantly concerned about what crisis is right around the corner. Katz and Bohbot detail how Israel has achieved their preeminent position in the techno-warfare world, but also scenarios for the future, that are out right scary.

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has been sitting on my “to read pile” for some time. I am glad I read this book after I read the biography “The Lioness: Golda Meir and the Nation of Israel” by Francine Klagsbrun. After reading about Golda’s struggles to obtain weapons, it paints the background for this book. This book discusses the evolution of Israel’s military weapons. It tells how the military had to create and manufacture its own weapons and also how they had to modify purchased weapons for their particular type of warfare and desert conditions. The author tells about testing the French Mirages to building drones, handguns and machine guns to cyber warfare.

The book is well written and researched. The authors not only tell the history of weapons but also the current state of research and development. It tells of the mindset of the people who are under constant pressure from surrounding countries that want to annihilate them. I found the section about drones fascinating. This book is not for everyone; but, for those interested in the research and development of military weapons, it is a fascinating book.

I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. The book is about nine and a half hours. Paul Boehmer does a good job narrating the book. Boehmer is an actor, voice-over artist and audiobook narrator.

[Jim Kisela · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a book that glorifies the military-industrial complex that has developed in Israel as its response to what it perceives as the existential threat it faces from the military forces of its Arab neighbors.

Israel's strategy is to stay one step ahead of its enemies qualitatively, because of obvious overwhelming numbers of weaponry and soldiers its enemies possess. This has led to a stream of creative high tech solutions that help deter and defeat the Arab forces. The industrial infrastructure has developed to make these ideas operational, and has turned Israel into one of the top suppliers of military equipment in the world.

This development is related by the authors in a style that glorifies the military culture as being almost invincible, with a few relatively minor defeats along the way.

There are a lot of interesting stories about the challenges faced and overcome by the Israeli military, but there is one glaring omission: nuclear.

In passing, it is mentioned that Israel leveraged its close relationship with France to get a nuclear power plant built at Dimona, but except for a mention of its "purported nuclear capabilities" virtually nothing is said about nuclear weapons.

As it is summarized in a Wikipedia entry: "Israel maintains a policy known as 'nuclear ambiguity' and has never officially denied nor admitted to having nuclear weapons, instead repeating over the years that it would not be the first country to 'introduce' nuclear weapons to the Middle East, leaving ambiguity as to whether it means it will not create, will not disclose, will not make first use of the weapons or possibly some other interpretation of the phrase." (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nuclear...)

It turns out that that experts estimate Israeli has a nuclear arsenal of between 75-400 nuclear bombs, but it is one of Israel's "worst kept secrets" according to many journalists and researchers. Yet the authors of this book don't discuss this area at all. One wonders why this puff piece glorifying the Israeli military capabilities would leave out this huge area of advanced and qualitatively superior weaponry. Maybe just an oversight? I don't think so.

[Robert Solomon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not a book for everyone. That said if you are continually fascinated by the innovation and prowess of the Israeli military you will want to read this book. The advances made in an effort to defend the country are incredible. From inventing drone technology to cyber warfare they always seem one step ahead. An example of just how different they approach problems Is a unit to analyze spy photos called 9900. This unit is made up of Autistic soldiers who they realized were able to utilize their ability to see slight changes in satellite reconnaissance to identify threats. So many interesting stories of success and failure. Just a great read.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Israel's weapons are revolutionizing the modern battlefield.
This is a #MustRead to learn about a side of Israel that isn't on the front pages.
Israel has captivated the world with its combination of military experience and
....constant drive for innovation.
No wonder the Republic of Singapore and Australia roll out the red
carpet for Netanyahu's 2017 visit!

[Debjit Sengupta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before we dip dive into the book, let us recall an important two-decade back incident. There was a massive infiltration from the Pakistani side of LOC. However, India took time but it managed to detect infiltrations and was successful in pushing the infiltrators behind the LOC. We better know the conflict as Kargil War. Now why am I bringing it here in the discussion space? India lacked modern warfare equipment to fight such high altitude war. Israel came to India’s rescue. Israel provided ammunitions, surveillance materials, laser guided missiles and automated aerial vehicles, which helped India gaining an upper hand and hastened the end of the conflict. The noteworthy fact is that Israel defied USA and other strong nation's pressure tactics while providing the weapons to India. If you have cognizance about Israel’s contribution in that war then you are bound to develop a sense of gratitude towards them. Irrespective of whether you are pro-Israel or anti-Israel, you surely have to acknowledge and marvel at their astronomical rise and vertiginous growth, against all odds. Few years ago, a street protest in Tunisia spread like a wildfire in other regions of the Middle East. Mohammed Gaddafi was captured and executed in Libya, Hosni Mubarak was overthrown in Egypt and Bashar-al-Assad is still fighting rebels in Syria. The civil war had given birth to ISIS. In Lebanon, Hezbollah has been acquiring sophisticated weapons. Therefore, Israel is facing challenges not only from various nations but also full-fledged trained terrorist organizations. The protracted animosity seems to stay. There is a change in the way, the war is fought around the globe and accordingly Israel is adapting to the changes by building advanced technological weapons for its military. The combination of innovation, drive and technology has provided Israel with unprecedented success. Its sublime and state of art weapon manufacturing industry is generation ahead of its adversaries. It had a major impact on the modern battlefield. The book attempts to narrate stories about how each weapon came in a different era and different circumstances, driven by inspirations and motivations of weapon inventors.

After Yom Kippur war, Israel realized that it had made some grave errors in terms of intelligence and technology. During the inter-war years, it had failed to innovate. Its main weapon supplier, France made a U-turn and suddenly cut Israel off and Soviet Union had been pouring new weapon technologies into the Arab nation. The thoughts and development gave rise to the birth of the most elite unit- Talpiot. The idea was to create an army unit where the soldiers not only learn but also are encouraged to think. The students are attached with each unit in the IDF from the artillery to infantry, to the Navy and Air Force to get an impression about how each unit does its job. The Talpiots became military research and development experts. They have had an impact on every weapon and communication system used by IDF and Israel intelligence. Let us discuss genesis of some of the products, considered apogee of Israel's technological brilliance in warfare and security areas.

Let us begin with an invention, which I found the most interesting. In 1969, Israel developed a toy plane and made it circulate over a patch of sand into the enemy territory. The gunners opened fire with a deafening sound. Israelis lost sight of the plane but to their surprise, after the cloud of smoke cleared, the toy plane was still there. The airborne target was too small for the enemy to strike. Israel tested the flights at different altitudes from 300 to 1000 feet. The success spurred Israel to penetrate miles into Egypt’s territory. The unmanned plane also managed to capture images. When the film was finally developed, they were astonished with the photograph 's resolution. They could clearly see Egyptian military trenches built along the canal. Israel then reached to its defense companies to develop lightweight unmanned aerial vehicle which we commonly refer today as drone. Israel manufactured drone Scout which was engaged in combating during Lebanon war in 1982. During a conflict with Syria, Israel Air force maneuver was severely limited by the presence of twenty Soviet made surface-to-air missile (SAM) . The Scout flew into enemy territory and collected radar and communication frequencies from SAM batteries, which was just enough for Israel Air Force to neutralize almost all of the Syrian SAMs. This is exactly what happened and Israel managed to knock off 82 Syrian’s MIG without losing a single fighter jet of their own. While, the Scout was moving from one successful operation to another, the USA was struggling to put their own drone operational despite billions of dollars were poured into the project. The fiasco compelled USA to turn to Israel for help. Israel was soon the largest exporter of drones. Apart from USA, Russia, South Korea, Australia, France and Germany were its customers. Israeli drones are originally designed for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance. They fly over targets and monitor development situations. Though not confirmed by Israel but it has been documented that drone such as Heron has the ability to destroy targets as well. A drone assassinated Hamas military commander, Ahmed Jabari. Not all drones are flown from air bases. Some like Skylark can be pulled out from soldier’s backpack and thrown into the air. This provides commanders with quick over-the-hill intelligence. This can fly at an altitude of 3000 feet and can fly up to three hours.

Israel realized the importance of tank during 1967 six-day war. They were in touch with Britain for delivery of top-secret tank named Chieftains. After series of trials, Israel was ready to strike a deal. However, citing political considerations, Britain backed away. The decision startled Israel. The irony is that Soviet Union continued to supply arms to Syria and Egypt. Israel did not want to be in similar precarious position again and realized that they must lessen their dependency on others. After few years, they came up with an indigenous produced tank known as Merkeva Mark I. Three years after they were rolled out, the tank demonstrated their striking capabilities in the First Lebanon war. The astonishing fact is that the fourth generation tank Merkava Mark IV is considered to be one of five deadliest tanks along with Russia’s T40 and USA’s M1 Abrams. Israel planted some amazing features in these tanks, hitherto unseen in other tanks. The tank had automatic tracking system combined with video camera. This enabled the gunner to lock its target before launching the shell. The latest tank Merkava 4 is considered a smart tank, with dozens of sensors, 360-degree camera and task computer. This enables a crew to stay inside and the commander can see what is happening exactly outside, such as approaching threats. The tank crew also have satellite-guided weapons. One such innovative weapon is Kalanit. The tank crew is equipped with the ability to choose different modes for detonating this weapon. This can detonate on impact like for fortified structure or vehicle. They can be also programmed to stop mid-air over a terror squad, and can be exploded with multiple different charges, scattering thousands of deadly fragments. Another groundbreaking work in this field is development of active protection system for tank. The system known as Trophy intercept and neutralize incoming threats such as anti-guided missiles. The IDF used Trophy for the first time to combat in 2012 against Hamas in the Gaza strips. It has been so successful that US Army had awarded a contract to shield it's Abrams tank.

Israel was in complete panic and paralyzed when Iraq had been firing Scuds during the Gulf War. The experience was traumatic. However, the threat is not only from the nations, but also the non-state actors like terrorist groups. They are involved in countess suicide bombings. Israel has been harassed and threatened by two notorious terrorist organizations namely Hamas and Hezbollah. There were times, when they were firing more than 100 rockets per day into Israel. To add to the woes, the range of the rockets was increasing in every two years. To counter the obscure threats, Israel pushed for missile and rocket defense system as top agenda, in collaboration with a US company. A system called Iron Dome was built to intercept short-range rockets. It has three components- an interceptor for intercepting incoming enemy rockets, a radar for detecting the launch of rockets from enemy territory and battle management system with advance algorithms, which can predict rocket’s trajectory and determine where it is going to land, in few seconds after launch. Iron Dome was considered a game changer in one of the IDF operation at Gaza. It has more than 90% percent success rate. It took only three years to design and manufacture Iron Dome. Next in the production line was Arrow, which is a system for incepting ballistic missiles. The third in the line was David’s sling, which intercepted medium and long-range rockets. It would intercept rockets that are too big for Iron Dome but not big enough for Arrows. Israel became the first country to deploy missile defense system even before the USA. However, other countries like USA, Japan and South Korea have also invested in missile defense system but none can boast off possessing multitier architecture with different systems.

During the Yom Kippur war, bellicose and invading armies of Egyptian and Syrian forces threatened Israel. The events had completely taken Israel by surprise. They then realized the importance of satellite photography, as a vital tool for providing warning about the movement of enemy troops. They sought USA's help for satellite information. USA provided inconclusive information and that too not real time in nature. In other words, USA was unable to retrieve imagery and related information about the conflict while it was underway. Moreover, the policy followed for sharing information with Israel was inconsistent. Israel became skeptical about USA's motive. It could not rely on USA for the information that is so vital for its survival. The endless dependency on USA was not going down well with Israel. They then conceptualized, designed, developed and ultimately kick start their own satellite program. In 1988, a satellite named Ofek-I was launched which culminated Israel into an exclusive club of nations with independent satellite launching capabilities. The other countries include USA, Russia, UK, France, Japan, China and India. They realized the benefit in few years during the Gulf War. Iraq was firing Scud missiles into Israel. The satellite helped in locating missile launcher and thus warned civilian of the impending attack. In the later years, Israel started developing state-of-the-art satellites. They became satellite superpower and specialized in manufacturing and putting in orbit mini satellites. This development caught world’s attention. The countries were either entering into strategic partnership with Israel or purchasing satellites. The impressive clients list include France, Italy, Singapore and India.

In a nuclear reactor, there are big steel machines that are used to enrich uranium. If a nation wants a nuclear weapon, it has to enrich uranium. These steel machines are called centrifuges. Israel’s enemy Iran experienced something mysterious in 2009. One after another, centrifuges started malfunctioning. Before Iran finally was able to figure out the reason, the series of events caused extensive damage to Iran's nuclear programme. More than 10% percent of its centrifuges were damaged and later decommissioned. A malicious computer worm called Stuxnet triggered the damage. The worm targeted the device that controlled the speed of the centrifuge motors. It increased and decreased the speed in such a way that it lead to eventual breakdown of the machinery. This way Israel managed to attack Iran without firing a single bullet. Struxnet was not just a virus but it was a weapon in literal sense that dictated new rules of modern warfare. The nation however has given rise to a booming cybersecurity industry and they figure among top five nations. Currently, there are more than 4000 cybersecurity companies in Israel.

Israel was always militarily superior compared to its enemy. However, during Yom Kippur war, it felt a sense of vulnerability. It then realized that apart from military superiority, it also requires a technological edge. Israel as a nation is a story that has surprised the world. How weak and ancient people returned to their homeland and despite odds survived and prospered. They are anathema to their neighboring countries which put them in a very imperil position. However, they might be engaged with different countries and groups at different point of time but they knew that their fait accompli is going to remain unchanged. The book does not simply narrate about the technology that has bought Israel success on the battlefield but also about people and culture of innovation, that has made it possible. Post World War II, if the Jews were defined as victims than in the present, they are known more for their brilliance. Israel is the country where USB port, pen drive, Microsoft Windows, first communication router and Anti-virus were developed. They have countless such achievements to their credit. In NASDAQ, Israel has the second largest registered companies , even more than the combined total of Japan, Germany, South Korea, France and United Kingdom. Israelis are now renowned for being adept and dexterous in jobs, which require a very incisive brain. The author had brilliantly and deftly summarized Israel’s journey to a military superpower. The panoply of stories make the book an interesting read.

[RANGER · Rating 5 out of 5]

Important history and relevant current events on the high tech weaponry of the Jewish State
This well written history and current state of military technology and weapons acquisition by the State of Israel is a must read for those with an interest in military history, Israel's modern history, acquisition policy, and Middle Eastern current events. Published in 2017, it still packs a punch for relevancy, being so well written that it will remain a classic of this topic moving forward. Israel's defense establishment has an interesting history. But few people realize how much the United States and several other major powers have relied on Israel to advance their own research and development. Israel's relationship with the US and other powers is a genuine quid-pro-quo where, for example, US funding and conceptualization is used to jump start an Israeli program resulting in an improved and battle tested final product. One area where Israel has led the world and greatly assisted the US is in UAV/Drone technology. The US investment in Israel in the 1980s led directly to the US finally acquiring a working drone system in time for the 1991 Gulf War. I remember this very well having been involved tangentially in the US program in the 1980s and 90s and watching Israeli Pioneers at work in the liberation of Kuwait.
Yaakov Katz and Amir Bohbot have written a genuine classic.
There are so many interesting tidbits in this book, I give it my highest recommendation.

[Huy Le · Rating 4 out of 5]

Impressed with the first part of the book. There is nothing political about this book which I like best.
Early Israeli community realized that their own survivals could depend on none other than themselves. To deal with Palestinian raiders, they built their own munition factory behind a laundromat underneath the nose of the British 'Peace' Administration. After Isreal declaration of independent, no country would sell to a new-born State. Jewish citizens from foreign nations thought of creative ways to smuggle weapons into Israel. Thus, they effectively exchanged their peaceful lives and become wanted international weapon smugglers for a good cause. Those were the baby steps.
The author went into details how IDF military structure and technology evolves purely through spontaneity and improvisation. All Isreal citizens are once reservists in IDF and all IDF soldiers are required to have a BA degree before service. "Japanese conscripts fought fiercely in WW2 because they worshiped their Emperor. That is dedication... In IDF where everyone knows everyone, our soldiers are effective because they have more brain and they are not afraid to use it". While the big-head government and generals laughed at the ideas of buying super computers and toy planes, Israel anti-missile Iron Dome, Surveillance Drone/Satellite and Cyber Offense programs become the marvel in the Technology world.
In the last half, the book would mention how the state tried to gain popularity among International Committees while its livelihood is still threaten by arm trades and terrorist tactics from Hamas and Hezbollah extremist groups. As they claim "IDF is prepared for the unpredictables in future wars", Can IDF improvisation nature provide the protection they really need?

[Peter Goodman · Rating 4 out of 5]

“The Weapon Wizards: How Israel became a high-tech military superpower,” by Yaakov Katz and Amir Bohbot (St. Martin’s, 2017).
Quick and dirty popular account of the development of Israel’s military power: cyber war, drones, Iron Dome missile defense, extremely detailed intelligence on movement of enemies including Hamas, PLO and Hezbollah, the structure and culture of the army, design of the Merkava tank with its armor and munitions. Small country, everyone knows everyone else, deliberate openness among soldiers and officers, privates encounter and argue with generals. Israel is forced to develop its own weapons because it cannot depend on outsiders to supply it: the French changed sides, the US is reliable but uses its leverage, diplomacy can fail. Stuxnet is described in some detail, though they don’t mention that Israeli eagerness is what uncovered a very covert operation; also it’s presented as very successful, not as a one-year setback for the Iranians. Some very interesting stories (the development of the drone is fascinating), and the history is accurate though presented (of course) from the Israeli position. One wishes the photographs were clearer.

https://us.macmillan.com/theweaponwiz...

[Rodrigo Acuna · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Weapons systems to survive."

When all your neighbours want you dead and you have nowhere else to go, you become a victim or you develop some defences that will assure your survival.
A very interesting book that describes the reasons Israel is a weapons developer far beyond its demographics would lead you to expect and how they have managed to get there.
Full of anecdotes and a with a bit of boastfulness the authors take us through a little of the history of Israel and some of the reasons some of their systems for battle have been developed and also who is buying some of this platform.
A very interesting book that is also a good example of what can be achieved when survival is the motivator.

[Zech Tan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I finally understand the meaning of chutzpah

[Steve Gross · Rating 4 out of 5]

More like a series of magazine articles than a coherent book, interesting updates on the state of Israeli weapons tech. Wonder why there was no coverage of seagoing vessels and submarines?

[Kati · Rating 5 out of 5]

Naprosto úžasná kniha, která se četla jedním dechem, protože není jen plná dat, nýbrž i lidských příběhů, má lidský rozměr. Můj obdiv k Izraeli a k tomu, co Izraelci dokázali, se díky ní jen zvýšil.

[TS Allen · Rating 1 out of 5]

From my review of this book for The National Interest: "In the end, The Weapon Wizards raises more questions than it answers: Did Israel seek military overmatch primarily through innovation and high-tech weapons? Perhaps, but we don’t learn enough about the total Qualitative Military Edge concept to say, and the presentation of Israeli innovation as a necessity rather than a strategic choice confuses the issue. Has the strategy of innovation achieved Israel’s strategic objectives? And as the authors wonder, what are the sources of Israel’s prima facie remarkably level of military innovation? They come close to answering this last question, but utterly fail by ignoring the key role of American aid." Read my full review at: http://nationalinterest.org/blog/the-...

[Merili · Rating 3 out of 5]

All chapters in this book follow a basic structure: an anecdote about how Israel is so good in a specific military area; a claim that this is due to informality in the IDF / bending the rules / someone taking up this issue and finding money to advance it; then few pages about how it came to be and where things might go here. Most interesting insights are in the epilogue where Katz and Bohbot provide some examples of decisions backfiring, for example Israel selling arms to Russia, even though fearing Russian-Iranian cooperation and then finding them even closer in neighboring Syria. Altogether however this is not a scholarly research into Israel's military capabilities and their development, but rather a journalistic reportage.

[Michael Dubakov · Rating 4 out of 5]

Средненькая книжка, где было несколько интересных историй про армию Израиля

1. Быстрое развитие армии и ее крутость определялась постоянной борьбой за выживание. Внешнее давление большое — скорость эволюции высокая.

2. Изобретательные ходы были постоянно. Например, первый завод по производству патронов разместили под землей и прикрыли сверху прачечной. Прачечную пришлось сделать прибыльной и они даже стирали одежду британских военных. Завод не нашли.

3. Нанимали на службу аутистов для анализа данных. Думаю скоро из заменят алгоритмы, но ход все равно крутой.

4. Talpiot — элитное подразделение, где воспитывали кросс-функциональных военных. Вообще огонь.

5. Экспорт первых самолетов был сложен. Однажды в Лондоне создали команду которая снимает фильм. Там была сцена с самолетом, и самолет улетел прямо в Израиль.

6. И последнее. Израилю часто отказывали в поставках оружия, так то ему пришлось почти все научиться делать самостоятельно: от автоматов до танков и самолетов. Никакого аутсорсинга. Зато в результате получилась самая технологичная армия мира. Reinvent your own bicycle!

[Kursad Albayraktaroglu · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must-read for anyone who would like to learn more about the story behind the Israeli ingenuity and technical prowess in defense technology. While the book is very accessible for readers without much prior knowledge on the subject, it provides enough tantalizing details to engage knowledgeable readers.

One drawback of the book is its emphasis on relatively recent accomplishments such as Merkava tanks, Ofek satellites, drones and Iron Dome. I would have liked to see more thorough coverage of some of the earlier seminal successes of the Israeli defense industry (such as the Kfir jet fighter) as well as interviews with the engineers responsible for creating a thriving defense industry from nothing.

While Katz's book is commendable, a more complete work on the development of Israeli military technology is yet to be written. Until then, this is the best book on the subject.

[Brian Chambers · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was published in 2017 so I’m sure a lot of the technology mentioned is outdated now but it was interesting to see what types of weapons Israel has developed.
I’d like to see an updated version with newer weapon systems they may have created or updated.

[Julian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some interesting nuggets but too much propaganda

[Iangagn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Israel's military history embodies the proverb which says that necessity is at the root of all inventions. Look up Israel on a map and look around. That's the definition of hardcore. I'm not educated enough on the subject to comment on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, but I can tell you that there's been a good deal of technological development made in the way of minimizing civilian casualties. If all Israel cared about was maximizing its death count, it would've made its missiles bigger and more numerous instead of more precise and costlier per unit. Now I'm going to read about the conflict from the Palestinian's point-of-view and start making up my own mind.

[Sean · Rating 5 out of 5]

When the media and especially social media are awash with anti-Israeli rhetoric. It's interesting to get an insight into the mindset of a nation that’s in a constant state of war readiness. Form the foundation of the state which had very little military equipment. It was up to the Israelis to innovate and think up know ideas. Form small beginnings where some of the army and politicians’ did not wont to go forward. Yet its build-up high-tech weapons which are exported to all over the world. But mostly to defend there own country. But many of the weapons that they have invented are used against them. So its process of being one stapes a head of there neighbours all the time.
Thought what they really need to work on is the perception of Israel in the media. Which is all ways viewed in a bad light?

[Jimmit Shah · Rating 5 out of 5]

No matter whether you approve or disapprove of its policies, you have to admire Israel's chutzpah! The tiny nation sits in the middle of one of the most chaotic and hostile territories in the world and is still able to give a relatively safe environment for its citizens to live in. It does this by not soft diplomacy but by ensuring that it can punch way above its weight, if push comes to shove. The book narrates the journey of the nation from a state of weapon-deprivation to an international supplier of cutting edge weaponry.

Israel stands out in the world due to the innovative technology it uses in its weaponry to constantly combat the threat posed by Palestinian and Lebanese terrorists. The book traces the origins of each of Israel's unique weapon systems and provides the details of the journey of the researchers/manufacturers who made these weapons possible. Some these stories sound fantastical, more suited for a fiction thriller than an history book. But these are stories of real people, who went and achieved the near impossible, in face of existential threat.

If you are a geek, read this book. If you are a fan of sci-fi, read this book. If you appreciate innovation and action, read this book. If you are a person who champions the underdog, read this book. If you want to see real people taking real risks to protect their way of life, read this book.

[Maria · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was OK. Perhaps because I recently read Start-Up Nation, this book didn't capture my attention. Both very similar.
pg. 11-What makes Israel unique is the complete lack of structure. While this seems strange to cite as an advantage, it is exactly this breakdown in social hierarchy that helps spur innovation.

pg 12. Breaking down barriers creates an atmosphere that encourages and enables the free exchange of ideas.

[Terry Lazar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very informative

Great reading - much of which I did not know. Understanding how Israel was able to create such an advanced military with innovative technology was very interesting-the authors go into very detailed history about how systems were developed. Enjoyed the book very much.

[Trung Trinh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Israel's high-tech military technology is driven by basic survival instinct. The book begins by examining Israel's precarious situation following its founding in 1948. Surrounded by hostile neighbors and lacking natural resources, Israel remained paranoid about the competition and had to innovate to survive. Early military challenges, such as the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, and all the conflicts that have happened for every decade since its independence, have pushed the country to develop a self-sufficient defense industry.

Israel's innovative spirit, or chutzpah, coupled with the instinctive strive for survival, has led the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and various defense companies to go through numerous cycles of improvement and achieve the successful developments of cutting-edge technologies, including drones, armored tanks, advanced mini-satellite systems, cyber capabilities, missile defense systems (like the Iron Dome), and advanced aircraft.

These technologies are also tailor-made to suit Israel's unique military doctrine, which puts a heavy emphasis on technological superiority as a means of deterrence. While Israel is not shy from large scale wars and conventional military power, the country has perfected the art of precise targeted killings and high-profile assassinations, as well as leveraged its overwhelming reconnaissance capabilities to always remain a few steps ahead of its enemy. Israel's cyber warfare prowess is also unrivaled in the region, with the country capturing 10% of global cybersecurity market share, and total cyber exports totaling $6B annually. This very emphasis on technological superiority as a means of deterrence not only massively tips the psychological war in Israel's favor, but also proves to be cost effective for a small-population, resource-scarce country.

Only three areas seem to remain a challenge to Israel's military power: its lack of nuclear capabilities, the lack of maritime presence, and the use of hybrid urban/tunnel warfare by its enemies. In light of what is happening in Gaza, Israel can also lose international support if it uses national defense as an excuse for everything and blurs the line between justifiable retaliations and outright crimes against humanities.

[Jakub Dovcik · Rating 4 out of 5]

Essentially a more focused variation of the Start-up Nation, this book is a lighter read on the unlikely story of the development of advanced Israeli weapons - drones, satellites, anti-missile systems like the Iron Dome, or cyberweapons like Stuxnet. With the narrative mostly focusing on the individual stories of military and scientific leaders that contributed to the unlikely story, it portrays the development of Israeli military manufacturing as a complex play of exceptional individuals determined to give the IDF and the State of Israel a qualitative edge in its constant conflicts.

There is a definite lack of critical depth and perspective as it feels very much like a glorification of the Israeli weapons industry - but whoever wanted anything else, should not pick up a book by the editor-in-chief of the most prominent Israeli (center-right) newspaper. Katz is a member of the Israeli establishment and he sells its case persuasively, playing the same hits one knows from the Start-up nation - chutzpah, higher acceptance of risk, constant conflict. Yet it does not feel repetitive and various parts, like the discussion of the Merkava tank (only tank with higher emphasis on the protection of crew rather than the machine) or Unit 9900 (inclusion of autists into the military) do not play the emotional string one could go for.

For someone like myself, interested in the technology policy of the state, this book presents a wonderful case for the importance of informal institutions for the development of innovative edge within a key industry sector. Katz makes great examples of how the culture of the Israeli military, with the informality and higher acceptance of failure, fosters the development of initiative among its soldiers that allows it to adapt to the changes in the nature of war and conflict. There are lessons even for sectors furthest away from weapons manufacturing and development.

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

In simple demographic or geographic terms, Israel possesses few characteristics that would be advantageous on the battlefield. Her population is small, if highly educated. Her natural resources are scant. Her territory does not allow strategic depth, and she is surrounded by potential enemies. This book argues that it is the cultural characteristics of her primarily Jewish population of decision makers and thinkers that has spurred innovation in peacetime and adaptation in wartime. For much of her history Israel has had to fight a myriad of enemies that employ both conventional and unconventional methods, and her civil and military technology centers have had to maintain a fervent pace to keep up. But due to a culture that prizes inquiry, chutzpah, and risk-taking, Israel has been able to instill both junior soldiers and high-ranking officials with a forward-thinking attitude. Israel's threatened position demands this. This attitude goes hand-in-hand with Israel's universal conscription and reserve system that ensures that the scientists and policymakers who make decisions about new weapon systems are intimately connected to the battlefield requirements of the warfighter.

This book covers the development of some of the cornerstones of Israel's qualitatively superior fighting force from armored warfare to space-based reconnaisance systems and cyber weapons. It is a quick read, but a very informative one. It does possess slightly blinkered thinking in how it minimizes the outside support that Israel has received in this sector. However, none of what Katz and Bohbot write strikes the reader as insincere or incomplete. If anything this book could be longer than its 260-page length. I would have appreciated more detail on some developments (like adaptive armor systems and the Iron Dome air defense system), but this was still a fulfilling read.

[Kamalakkannan Durairaju · Rating 4 out of 5]

Goodreads reading challenge 2021
Book 17/52

Bullets needed
No problem.
This guy comes up with an idea to start a factory on a kibbutz located in a farm in the desert right next to a army railway station built by British
They ended up manufacturing 900,000 bullets in a year. Never got caught
How to camouflage it?
No worries
Start a laundromat and ask Jews around the area to contribute
It will run for 24 hours.

Planes needed
Ask America
Sorry. We can't give it. But we will sell old planes to scraps.
Then smuggle it.
How?
Buy it. Dismantle it and send it to Italy.
Our pilots will fly it from there.

One more idea?
Disguise as if you are shooting a film and let the plane soar high.
It will be gone forever.


Need to protect my people from missiles!
Okay let me build a crazy Iron dome.
But it will be costly?
We have the United States.
Okay we will give you only 500 million dollars!
Sorry. We need only 158 million dollars. Thank you.
Tada. We have an Iron dome that can shoot down 80% of missiles launched at us. Interceptors

And hey ya, I want to shoot down this terrorist who has been this mastermind.
I have just located him.
Okay! Shoot him
No.
He is surrounded by civilians. Dangerous
No problem.
Use drones!
But!
Don't worry! The explosive shrapnels are precisely targeted.
Smart bomb bro

And Iran is building a Nuclear reactor, likely a bomb
Okay! Go ahead. Send in Fighter pilots
Not possible.
There is a 15 feet concrete + 30 feet steel layer covering.
We want it done without firing a single bullet!
That's complex.
Calling "Stuxnet virus"
Centrifuges destroyed
Nuclear launch delayed by 2 years

"A marathon read. A terrific book"

[Mariusz · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very good book overall, demonstrating in an engaging way how Israel, which at inception had no domestic weapons manufacturing capability, developed into the no. 8 weapons exporter of the world, lower than only a handful of much bigger economies. The beginnings are particularly eye-opening. Not many people are aware that in 1948 Israel did not possess basic small arms ammunition production capability, not to mention that of more sophisticated gear like airplanes or tanks, nor were there many countries willing to sell arms to Israel for fear of antagonising the Arab countries, or inducing arms race in the Middle East. The initial plane contingent with which Israel fought the war of independence in 1948 consisted of Messerschmitt-lookalike (though unfortunately far inferior due to an inferior engine) Czech Avia planes and a motley crew of planes illegally purchased in the US.

For clarity’s sake the book is organised by weapon type. Each category (tanks, drones, missiles, satellites, cyber) traces the development from its very humble beginnings, outlining the historical context of that particular category’s development, right up to the most recent products.

The authors evidently have good access to off-the-record information resulting in many interesting facts being dropped in, as if by mistake, though always appropriately dressed up (talking of “Israel’s reported nuclear arms”, or “cyber attack on Iran’s uranium enrichment facility attributed to Israel”).

I was in two minds whether to accord it a 4*, or a 5* rating, with a preference for the former at first on account of pronounced pro-Israeli propaganda. While a strong pro-Israeli bias is understandable, given the subtitle of the book, sometimes it would be more effective, if the conclusions were left to the reader, rather than being spoon-fed. As the book unfolded, the small details of which the book contains plenty, swayed my opinion to the latter.