Space: A New Israeli Battlefield?
The Israeli military announced the appointment of the first commander of the new Space Division, established in February 2024, to lead force building and operations, unify knowledge and training in space as a standalone military specialty, after space became an active combat arena.
On October 19, the Israeli military announced the appointment of the first commander of the new Space Division, which will lead the military's efforts in what is described as the field of space warfare. Official military statements said the division, which will be based within the Planning Directorate, will be responsible for "leading force building and operations, unifying knowledge and training, and developing the space domain as a standalone military specialty." The division was established after it was determined that space has become an active combat arena and will become an increasingly expanding military arena in the coming years. The division was created in February 2024, with the clear goal of consolidating all missions carried out beyond the atmosphere. The military stated at the time that "Israel fights wars with neighboring countries. However, it is still necessary to prepare for confrontations that may also take place in more distant arenas. Based on this concept, the Space Division was established to meet the need for broad aerial warfare, and it consists of two sections: satellite projects, and cooperation between the Air Force and the security establishment." Alongside the establishment of the Space Division, a series of space-related military projects were approved, including operating sensors from space toward Earth, as well as space warfare activities. The Israeli Air Force, whose full official name is the "Air and Space Force," was responsible for space-related operations, including launching satellites.