PBD Podcast – Former CIA: Mike Baker Reacts to Israel Conflict | PBD Podcast | Ep. 315

Intro

In this episode of the PBD Podcast, former CIA covert field operations officer Mike Baker joins the host to discuss the recent conflict in Israel. Baker shares his insights on the intelligence failures, the tight operation carried out by Hamas, the importance of human intelligence, and the challenges faced by Israel in monitoring underground tunnels. He also addresses the role of Iran in funding Hamas and the need for a strong defense and offense to bring stability to the region. The podcast delves into various aspects of the conflict, including the impact on Palestinian civilians, the potential for a major incursion by Israel, and the role of international allies. Additionally, the episode touches on the US border security, Trump’s presidency, and the upcoming elections.

Main Takeaways

Intelligence Failures and Hamas Operation

• The supposedly best intelligence in the world failed to detect Hamas’ year-long preparation for the attack.
• The attack was a 9/11-level intelligence failure due to ineffective compilation and analysis of indicators and intelligence.
• Hamas operated with tight secrecy and likely used dumbed-down communications to avoid interception.
• Israeli officials were surprised by the attack due to the need-to-know nature of the operation.

Importance of Human Intelligence and Underground Tunnels

• The attack highlights the significance of human intelligence alongside technical collection.
• Hamas stockpiles weapons and trains personnel despite being blockaded in Gaza.
• The extensive network of underground tunnels poses a monitoring challenge for Israel.
• Conversations arise regarding potential blind eyes turned by the CIA and IDF towards Hamas attacks.

Hamas’ Actions and Impact on Palestinians

• Hamas knowingly places military assets within civilian infrastructure, leading to civilian casualties.
• Palestinian civilians who die are victims of Hamas as well.
• Many residents of Gaza are not affiliated with Hamas.
• The conflict creates a terrible situation for Palestinians.

Israel’s Response and International Pressure

• Israel is preparing for a major incursion, potentially resulting in collateral damage and hostages.
• Pressure from the US, Germany, and Australia mounts to secure the release of hostages.
• Israelis are united against Hamas, while Hamas operates in a barbaric manner.
• Efforts are made to alleviate refugee pressures through back channeling with Egypt and Qatar.

US Border Security and Trump’s Presidency

• The US faces potential threats from individuals evading authorities at the border.
• A secure border is crucial to prevent potential terrorist threats.
• Trump’s approach to border security and his confidence in front of the media impress the speaker.
• There is a potential for Biden voters to have buyers remorse, impacting the upcoming elections.

Summary

Intelligence Failures and Hamas Operation

Former CIA officer Mike Baker discusses the intelligence failures that allowed Hamas to plan and execute a surprise attack on Israel. The failure to detect Hamas’ year-long preparation highlights the need for improved intelligence gathering and analysis. The attack was a tightly planned operation, with Hamas maintaining secrecy and using covert communication methods. Israeli officials were caught off guard due to the need-to-know nature of the operation.

Importance of Human Intelligence and Underground Tunnels

Mike Baker emphasizes the significance of human intelligence in addition to technical collection. Despite being blockaded in Gaza, Hamas manages to stockpile weapons and train personnel. The extensive network of underground tunnels poses a monitoring challenge for Israel, giving Hamas an advantage in carrying out attacks. There are discussions about the potential complicity of the CIA and IDF in turning a blind eye to Hamas attacks.

Hamas’ Actions and Impact on Palestinians

Hamas knowingly places military assets within civilian infrastructure, resulting in civilian casualties. The speaker emphasizes that Palestinian civilians who die are victims of Hamas as well. Many residents of Gaza are not associated with Hamas, and they suffer from the terrible situation created by the conflict.

Israel’s Response and International Pressure

Israel is preparing for a major incursion to address the Hamas threat, which may lead to collateral damage and hostages. Pressure from the US, Germany, and Australia is mounting to secure the release of hostages. The speaker highlights the stark contrast between Hamas’ barbaric actions and Israel’s efforts to limit civilian casualties. Back channeling with Egypt and Qatar is pursued to alleviate refugee pressures.

US Border Security and Trump’s Presidency

The speaker discusses the importance of secure borders and the potential threats posed by individuals evading authorities at the US-Mexico border. Trump’s approach to border security and his confidence in front of the media are admired by the speaker. There is speculation about Biden voters having buyers remorse, which could impact the upcoming elections.

Conclusion

The recent conflict in Israel, analyzed by former CIA officer Mike Baker, sheds light on intelligence failures, Hamas’ actions, and the challenges faced by Israel. The importance of human intelligence, the impact on Palestinian civilians, and the need for a strong defense and offense are highlighted. The podcast also touches on US border security and the upcoming elections, providing diverse insights into these complex topics.