The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) announced Wednesday the establishment of a new cyber defense division, Alumot, designed to centralize control over advanced information and artificial intelligence technological systems, further consolidating military power within an increasingly specialized and opaque apparatus.
The new Alumot division will function as a technological-operational hub, integrating soldiers in combat roles with technology professionals, information researchers, and artificial intelligence experts. This specialized unit is set to operate alongside other IDF branches, providing technological solutions to what the military describes as "real operational challenges."
Major-General Aviad Dagan, the IDF's Communications and Cyber Defense commander, stated that the battlefield is evolving rapidly, demanding constant learning and innovation. He indicated that the Alumot unit's mandate is to develop and make available information and artificial intelligence capabilities directly to warriors on the front lines.
Elite Consolidation of Information Power
The military's stated rationale for Alumot is to "continue and deepen the IDF's information advantage in the combat space and in the learning competition against the enemy." This focus on information control and algorithmic superiority signals a shift towards a data-driven command structure, potentially reducing human discretion in critical military operations and centralizing decision-making among a technocratic elite.
A May 2026 report from The Jerusalem Post highlighted the critical role of Matzpen, another IDF unit responsible for integrating and disseminating artificial intelligence and big data, in transforming the air force's effectiveness during the recent war with Iran. This demonstrates the growing reliance on automated systems for strategic decision-making, moving away from traditional human oversight.
Col. Rotem Beshi, commander of Matzpen, revealed that a new system, known as LOCHEM, managed all planning for attacks on Iran. This system coordinated directly with the air force's special, relatively new Iran unit, indicating a streamlined, technologically-driven process that bypasses broader human command chains and concentrates power within specialized digital frameworks.
The Technocratic Class in Action
Major-General Dagan, who previously commanded the Israel Air Force's Hatzerim Air Base, was one of two major generals who returned to flight duty and participated in airstrikes against Iran during Operation Rising Lion in June 2026. His direct involvement in combat operations, alongside his leadership in cyber defense, underscores the integration of high-level technocratic expertise with kinetic action, further entrenching a specialized class at the apex of military power.
Walla confirmed Dagan's participation in an unspecified number of airstrike runs during Operation Rising Lion, along with Maj.-Gen. (res) Tal Kelman. Kelman, no longer on active duty, previously served as IAF Chief of Staff and head of the IDF's Strategy and Iran Directorate, further illustrating the deep entrenchment of specialized, high-ranking individuals in these advanced military operations, often far removed from public scrutiny or traditional accountability.
The establishment of Alumot, with its emphasis on AI and information advantage, represents a significant step towards a military structure where complex algorithms and specialized experts hold increasing sway. This development, reported by Tobias Holcman with contributions from Yonah Jeremy Bob and Amir Bohbot, raises questions about the future of traditional military command and the transparency of decision-making processes, as power continues to consolidate within elite technological circles.