The IDF unveiled a new cyber defense division on Wednesday that will serve as a technological-operational hub for developing the military's information and artificial intelligence technological systems.
The new division, which will be called "Alumot," will include soldiers in combat roles, technology professionals, information researchers, and artificial intelligence experts, and will operate alongside other IDF branches to provide technological solutions to real operational challenges.
"The establishment of the unit expresses the need to continue and deepen the IDF's information advantage in the combat space and in the learning competition against the enemy," the military said in a statement.
"The combination of the soldiers in the field and the advanced technological capabilities of the IDF is what made many of the war's achievements possible," said the IDF's Communications and Cyber Defense commander Major-General Aviad Dagan.
"The battlefield is evolving before our eyes and requires us to learn and innovate at all times. The 'Alumot' unit will work to develop and make available the information and artificial intelligence capabilities we have to the warriors on the front lines," he added.
An exclusive May report from The Jerusalem Post revealed that Matzpen, the IDF unit most responsible for integrating and disseminating artificial intelligence and “big data” across the military, played a critical role in transforming the air force’s effectiveness during the recent war with Iran.
Its commander, Col. Rotem Beshi, told the Post in an exclusive interview that a new system, managed by Matzpen and known as the LOCHEM system, handled all the planning for attacks on Iran, starting with coordination with the air force’s special, relatively new Iran unit.
Dagan piloted fighter jets striking Iran during war
Dagan, who previously served as commander of the Israel Air Force's Hatzerim Air Base, was one of the two major generals who returned to flight duty and participated in airstrikes against Iran during Operation Rising Lion in June.
Walla confirmed that Dagan and Maj.-Gen. (res) Tal Kelman participated in an unspecified number of airstrike runs during Operation Rising Lion.
Kelman, who is no longer on active duty in the IDF, previously served as IAF Chief of Staff and head of the IDF's Strategy and Iran Directorate.
Yonah Jeremy Bob and Amir Bohbot contributed to this report.