Psychological Warfare in Operation “Cast Lead”

Abstract

Although the IDF has never invested heavily in psychological warfare, Operation “Cast Lead” demonstrated a long-needed change. For the first time Israel embarked on a military venture with a psywar plan devised by a designated unit in coordination with the tactical forces. The unit—the Center for Consciousness Operations (MALAT)—was established at the end of the Second Intifada and became operational in the Second Lebanon War.