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HSPI Hosts Ambassadors Roundtable Series Event Featuring As part of the Ambassadors Roundtable Series on International Collaboration to Combat Terrorism and Insurgencies, the Homeland Security Policy Institute hosted Ambassador Sallai Meridor of Israel on January 6, 2009.
The Ambassadors Roundtable Series is designed to provide Ambassadors to the United States and their key diplomatic staff with a forum to discuss current and future counterterrorism and counterinsurgency efforts on a regional or country-specific basis. In an effort to draw upon various insights and experiences, the Ambassadors Roundtable Series builds upon and institutionalizes efforts over the past two years to engage in a dialogue with members of the international community, policy makers, and practitioners. |
Ambassador Meridor first outlined the background to the current situation in Gaza, and then put Israel’s complex struggle against terrorism into the larger context of the Middle East and global efforts to combat terrorism. In response to a question posed by HSPI Director Frank Cilluffo about Israel’s long-term diplomatic objectives and the desired end-state to result from Israel’s current actions in Gaza even if Israel does accomplish its military objectives, Meridor noted that Israel’s aim is to bring security to Israelis and Palestinians, including the “transformation of the [wider Israeli-Palestinian] situation into peace.” Yet more than one questioner in the audience asked if Israeli actions are actually having the unintended effect of increasing radicalization and recruitment—and specifically, whether Israel had a strategy to “win the peace” when the conflict is over. In reply, Meridor indicated that Israel is ready to compromise and hopes that Hamas is too, in order to find common ground and expand the circle of peace, which includes an existing agreement with Egypt and another under cultivation with Jordan.
Meridor specified prevention, deterrence and defense as three fundamental facets of Israel’s approach to counterterrorism. However, he also underscored that traditional conceptions of these tools and measures offer only partial solutions for defeating terrorists, in part because the ideological aspect of radical Islamic terrorism represents a new threat level; more than ever before, suicide bombers are prepared to die for their cause. Educating the public about the threat and delegitimizing its underlying ideology are key components of Israel’s efforts. Deterrence is less powerful today than it once was, though it may have some effect upon states that support terrorism. Prevention is also difficult when terror flows from non-state actors who exploit failed states as proxies. Defense is further complicated by the fact it is dependent upon technology, which may be prohibitively costly; and even if affordable, technology is not always the answer.
As the conflict in Gaza demonstrates, terrorism is not only a local phenomenon—it has regional and global aspects and consequences. Meridor cited Hamas’ connections to Iran and Hezbollah as examples. Countering terrorism therefore requires international cooperation, such as in the area of intelligence to prevent the transfer of technology, weapons and money to those with intent to do harm. Meridor concluded the discussion by asserting that “it takes many elements, from the understanding of what you’re facing, to the morale, to international law and cooperation, to a cocktail of prevention, defense, and deterrence, to give the peace-seeking world a strategy for a good chance to win this battle.” |