The heads of the K.G.B. were deeply anti-Semitic and saw in Israel and world Jewry ‘a danger which is only second to the main enemy, the United States.’ The K.G.B. was intent on destabilizing Israel, totally disproportionate to the country’s strength or influence. Ronen Bergman Read Quote
Can a nation use the methods of terrorism? Can it harm innocent civilians in the process? What are the costs? Where is the line? Ronen Bergman Read Quote
Relying on intelligence as the chief touchstone for decisions about whether and when to attack creates a wide opening for misunderstandings, divergent interpretations, and vulnerabilities to parties with an interest in either attack or delay. Ronen Bergman Read Quote
Even though intense focus on Iran’s nuclear program has presumably increased the volume of intelligence gathered about it, it remains true that intelligence officers tend to rely heavily on a few trusted sources. Ronen Bergman Read Quote
Both Israel and America should acknowledge that scraps of information cannot serve as the basis for action against Iran, and they should find new criteria for such a decision. Ronen Bergman Read Quote
In most countries, the political class supervises the defense establishment and restrains its leaders from violating human rights or pursuing dangerous, aggressive policies. Ronen Bergman Read Quote
In Israel’s short history, army commanders and the heads of the intelligence agencies have often advocated the use of force and in many cases showed contempt for the law and human rights. Political leaders have typically been more measured. Ronen Bergman Read Quote
Israel and the United States have been locked in a mutually necessary and beneficial intelligence-sharing relationship for more than 60 years. Ronen Bergman Read Quote
Israel has good reason to be concerned about its intelligence making its way to Moscow: Russia is a major player in the war in Syria on Israel’s northern border, where it has also become a close ally of Iran and Hezbollah, Israel’s sworn enemies. Ronen Bergman Read Quote
In practical terms, Israel has become the eyes and ears of the United States in the Middle East. This arrangement has freed the United States from a heavy intelligence-gathering burden. But it has also forced the Americans to depend upon the Israelis. Ronen Bergman Read Quote
