GAZA, (PIC)
A few days ago, Palestinian resistance discovered Israeli spy devices among the tents of displaced persons in Khan Yunis, southern Gaza Strip. This highlights the methods used by the Israeli occupation army to gather information about the Palestinian resistance and the role of Unit 8200 in this.
The security platform Al-Hares (The Guard) reported that the resistance’s security personnel found camouflaged Israeli spy devices planted among the tents of displaced persons, specifically in one of the shelters in southern Gaza. They noted that several devices of different shapes were seized.
A security officer from the resistance told Al-Hares that the spy devices appeared to be part of the surrounding and natural environment. Among the devices that were seized was a camouflaged camera shaped like a rock.
It is believed that the Israeli intelligence may have planted these devices using quadcopter drones during times of low activity among the displaced persons. The security officer urged everyone not to tamper with any suspicious devices discovered and to contact security officers immediately.
He emphasized the necessity of being vigilant and attentive to any objects or structures present around the tents and houses or on their roofs, with a need for regular patrols between the pathways and rooftops to ensure they are free from any new variables.
In April, the security apparatus of Hamas warned Palestinian citizens in the Gaza Strip about spy devices dropped in various neighborhoods by Israeli military drones.
At that time, they indicated that some of the devices confiscated were shaped like blocks made of foam, urging citizens to survey the area around their homes and focus on public and abandoned buildings, reporting any suspicious objects to the relevant authorities in Gaza without tampering with them.
Methods of espionage and camouflage
While sources within the Palestinian resistance confirm that Israel is developing its methods of gathering information based on digital and technological techniques, this does not prevent or limit the recruitment of potential informants. Various methods are used to exploit weak-willed individuals, between moral and material seduction, and taking advantage of the circumstances of the blockade and the war of extermination.
Technological espionage is no longer a difficult matter these days, according to a report published by Arabi 21. With electronic devices becoming smaller, listening devices can be placed in many locations without the victims noticing.
To carry out espionage, it is sufficient to place a microphone, battery, and SIM card in any object or shape. With the digital boom, these components are now available in very small sizes, aiding in their camouflage.
Once these components are embedded within any device, they can be turned on and off from anywhere in the world, in addition to eavesdropping on conversations occurring in the location where they were left.
In the past, it was necessary to leave a listening device in a location and then retrieve it later for information. However, today this has changed thanks to wireless communications.
Specialized units
For the past three decades, the Aman agency, which is considered the largest Israeli intelligence agency, has established a specialized division in the field of electronic espionage known as Unit 8200. This unit is also referred to as the secret electronic warfare unit in Israel and is sometimes called the Israeli SIGINT unit.
Unit 8200 is responsible for electronic espionage through signal intelligence (SIGINT) and decryption. The unit also leads electronic warfare within the Israeli military.
An article published by the Hebrew newspaper Ma’ariv on October 31, 2013, highlighted the unit’s capabilities, noting that its advanced computers can detect messages of intelligence value by processing millions of communications and billions of words.
The unit’s tasks focus on eavesdropping and monitoring wired and wireless communication devices, which is facilitated by the connection of the main exchanges of the Palestinian communication network to the Israeli communication network, Basic.
Unit 8200 includes officers and soldiers who accompany infantry forces during military operations and wars, where they collect tactical intelligence from the battlefield.
The unit also works closely with Sayeret Matkal, the most elite special unit in the Israeli army, which reports directly to the head of military intelligence. In addition to its specialization in carrying out assassinations in the Arab world, Sayeret Matkal plays a central role in gathering intelligence by planting listening and imaging devices, based on prior coordination with Unit 8200.
