The first part of the article will present a theoretical framework to analyze the use of helicopters in low-intensity conflict (LIC). The purpose of this article is to demonstrate the specificity of IAF use of attack helicopters (AH) as compared with other armies fighting terror in the world today. This article will examine the IAF’s use of helicopters in the war against terrorism. 2 Since the Six-Day War, the IDF has begun to utilize a new instrument-the Israeli Air Force (IAF). Infantry and Special Forces stood at the forefront of the war against terrorism. In these large-scale operations, Israel has deployed massive infantry, armor, and artillery forces. The IDF has launched a few large attacks targeting terrorist infrastructure-for example Karameh and Litany-with the most extensive one being the Lebanon War (1982), at least initially. Most operations of the first and third categories are still classified. A third method has been targeting specific terrorist leaders or installations in the Middle East and in Europe. Special Forces have raided known terrorist bases and routine security activities have been conducted along the borders and in the major cities. To counter these activities, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) uses various operational methods. Since October 2000, Israel has struggled against widespread military uprisings in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. In the 1980s and 1990s, Israel fought against the Shiite Amal Movement and Hezbollah organization in Lebanon. Following the “Black September” conflict in 1970 and up until 1982 (Operation Peace for Galilee), most terrorists infiltrated through the Lebanese border. After the 1967 war, most terrorists crossed over from Jordan.
Palestinian terrorists attempted to infiltrate Israel from the surrounding Arab countries and perform sabotage actions near the border, which were little more than lines drawn on a map and proved wholly inadequate in stopping the infiltrations. 1 The Israeli war against guerrilla fighters or terrorists began almost immediately after the War of Independence.
Since its establishment, the State of Israel has been facing a bloody struggle against terrorism and guerrilla warfare, in addition to four conventional wars. Journal of European, Middle Eastern, & African Affairs.