Star Wars in Blue and White: Israel Launches New Space Brigade to Deter 'Near and Far Enemies'

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced on Tuesday the establishment of a military brigade specializing in outer space, with the goal of making his country a "leading global power" in this field.

Katz described the decision issued by Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir as part of the policy he personally promotes to transform Israel into a "security space power" under the slogan "Star Wars in Blue and White."

In a post on the "X" platform, Katz added: "The goal set for the army and the security system is to make Israel one of the world's leading countries in the fields of security space."

He continued that the ability to "detect, defend, and attack from space any target across vast areas will strengthen Israel's status as a regional and global power, deter near and far enemies, and ensure our security for future generations."

The establishment of the space brigade comes within the framework of the Israeli army's multi-year plan. It will be centered in the Planning Directorate, focusing on force building and operations in the space domain, including the development of satellites, sensors, and space capabilities. A former commander of Unit 9900, specialized in space intelligence (Brigadier General "Sh") has been appointed head of the new brigade.

Last June, Katz had affirmed Israel's pursuit of developing offensive capabilities from space, including space-based laser systems, to become the "world-leading country" in this field, aiming to achieve qualitative superiority in deterrence against adversaries possessing significant resources.

At the time, Katz confirmed that developing military space capabilities would provide a significant boost to the Israeli economy in areas of development, innovation, and advanced technological production, thereby also strengthening Israel's status in the civilian sector as a space technology nation.