Several Western analysts have said that the October 7 attacks on Israel are the country’s 9/11 moment. Closer home, a few observers compare the attacks to the 26/11 terror strikes on Mumbai. Both these comparisons ignore historical contexts. At the same time, it cannot be denied that these attacks were intelligence failures in multiple ways.

From 2001 to 2008 to 2023, the world has seen a massive transformation of intelligence functioning with the infusion of technology. Digital footprints have become the guiding indicators of information and are crucial for building surveillance. Israel’s reliance on technology for its overall security ecosystem is perhaps second to none. The country has deployed a vast network of surveillance cameras along its borders — these include thermal-imaging cameras, pan-tilt-zoom cameras, and other advanced video analytics systems. These cameras provide real-time monitoring and help detect and track suspicious activities and individuals. Israel has constructed physical barriers, such as fences and walls, to secure its borders. The most well-known example is the West Bank Barrier, aimed at preventing unauthorised access. The country employs drones to conduct constant aerial surveillance along its borders. These machines are equipped with advanced sensors and cameras for monitoring and detecting potential security threats.