DIAGNOSIS OF ISRAEL'S DEFENSIVE ACTIONS AGAINST TERRORIST ROCKET AND MORTAR ATTACKS IN THE YEARS 2001-2012

Abstract

The threat to Israel from rocket and mortar attacks has been increasing in terms of strength and impact year after year. It can be assumed that rocket and mortar attacks have become the most dangerous weapons used by terrorist groups from Palestine and Lebanon, following suicide bombings. The two largest terrorist organizations, namely Hamas and Hezbollah, play a leading role in these actions. As this form of terrorism evolved, Israel had to improve the effectiveness of its defense system, resulting in a more efficient protection of civilian population and civil and military infrastructure against rocket and mortar attacks. The changes in the defense system required years of work, with a particular intensity during the years 2006-2012. The implemented changes in the security system led to the development of two forms of defense: passive and active, which are constantly modified and improved. The aim of this article was to characterize Israel's defense against rocket and mortar attacks carried out by terrorist groups in the years 2001-2012. The research conducted for this purpose has a practical nature, as it is based on facts and real actions implemented by Israel to minimize civilian casualties. The analysis begins in 2001 when the first rocket attacks on Israeli territory took place.