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 The latest trend is the introduction of the IAF as a
significant element in area domination. For years, IAF helicopters and
UAVs continuously patrolled trouble spots but airpower has proved even
more effective since mid 2003 when the IAF implemented measures to
control the signature and effect of its missions in the urban area
while also assuming more responsibility within the joint operations
field. Adaptations were made to most platforms and weapons, preparing
them for superior performance in the new mission profiles.
“We should be able to choose our means, weapons and effect from a
pound to a ton,” says Brig. General Ido Nehushtan, Chief of Staff and
Deputy Commander, IAF. At the beginning of this conflict the IAF did
not have suitable ordnance that could strike with the required
pinpoint precision in restricted terrain conditions. This shortfall,
according to Nehushtan has been eliminated. “We modified our systems,
originally built for full scale wars, introducing necessary changes
and adaptations which now enable improved performance and capabilities
in both high intensity and low intensity warfare scenarios”.
 Urban warfare and area domination activities have little to do with
the IAF’s original role. Nehushtan explains that the target
characteristics of urban warfare, especially for air warfare, are very
challenging. “This is one of the most complex conflicts we have fought
in.” he says, "Unlike general perceptions of 'low tech' threat, we
face stealthy and evasive targets far more complex than conventional
military targets. Threats are not restricted to surface-to-air
missiles and gunfire, but include risks caused by inadvertent
collateral damage, which could have strategic implications as well as
leading to negative local and international reactions.
Complex operational restrictions and self-imposed rules of engagement
are implemented to safeguard sensitive areas such as schools,
hospitals, holy places etc. In return, terrorists, who rarely abide by
any ethics in war, tend to exploit such restrictions to establish
“human shield” situations, as they operate in the immediate vicinity
of civilian occupied buildings. “One can hardly define a clear
‘terrorist infrastructure target’ that can be easily attacked from the
air,” says Nehushtan. Such targets may reside in a specific room,
which must be attacked from specific angles with highly accurate
weapons, developing limited effect, devastating the target itself, but
without causing damage beyond it.
 These engagements require very precise and actionable intelligence,
clear proof of the target’s intent, and surgical response with the
measured effect necessary to neutralize the target, without causing
collateral damage. Full integration between intelligence, ground, air
forces and Special Forces, are necessary to ensure that the most
effective means are used to engage time critical targets. In some
cases, targets are visible only for a few tens of seconds. To enable
such rapid decisions, the IDF has established “short decision cycles”
employing highly skilled and experienced representatives from all
relevant entities, who are familiar with the area, and understand the
implications of each mission. They can choose the physical means,
location and time where and when action is necessary to create an
effect without unnecessary damages.
Such operations depend on actionable intelligence, both
HUMINT and
intelligence coming from real-time sensors, providing persistence and
fast response to emerging opportunities. “Intelligence is not
sufficient in itself. Target behavior is an issue that must also be
considered. Those under constant pursuit adapt evasive behavior and
only expose themselves for very short periods of time. The ‘window of
opportunity’ to strike such targets may last only a few seconds, far
below anything the military organization was prepared for in the
past.” Nehushtan considers several key capabilities necessary for
effective air operations in urban area. “Since modern terrorism
resides and operates in urban surroundings, one must face them in such
environments. Persistence is a key for effective engagement, keeping
the enemy constantly on the defensive.”
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