Terrorism and Low Intensity Conflict

The INSS research program on terrorism and low intensity conflict examines in depth the phenomenon of terrorism and its strategic, security, and political implications for Israel. The study focuses on terrorism in Lebanon, with an emphasis on Hezbollah, Salafist jihadist elements, and Iranian and Syrian involvement in their activity; terrorism trends perpetrated in the international arena, with an emphasis on the Muslim fundamentalist terrorism of al-Qaeda and global jihad; and the fight against terrorism, particularly the leading related strategies and dilemmas.

In addition to monitoring the activity of specific organizations, this research program focuses on following and analyzing unique forms and methods, most prominently the different types of suicide attacks that have spread in the world and have become the leading and most effective course of destructive action used by terrorists today; abductions and hostage situations; nonconventional terrorism; and the conduct of psychological warfare by terrorist groups. The program also addresses additional aspects, including captivity and prisoners, and the effect on Israel of ransoming prisoners and prisoner exchanges, in light of the future possible need for decision makers and the general Israeli public to contend with the dilemmas raised by this issue.