101
Jerusalem U Presents Israel’s First Special Ops Unit
In this week’s History of Israel Explained, we’re going back to the early days of the State of Israel and examining the role of the legendary (or should that be notorious?) Unit 101, Israel’s first special ops team.
Created by General Moshe Dayan and Colonel Ariel Sharon the unit’s groundbreaking tactics are employed today by special ops forces around the world. But, in its brief existence, though, Unit 101 became embroiled in controversy that had (and still has) many questioning what actions can be justified when it comes to self defence and self preservation.
What were some of Unit 101s actions and why was it disbanded after only five short months? Watch the video to discover its impact on the fledgling State of Israel. What do you think? Is it ever justified to kill others to ensure your own safety? Are large numbers of civilian deaths on the side of the enemies ever justified?
Moreover, how does any democracy deal with what it believes to be a justified, ethical war, knowing that unethical tragedies will undoubtedly occur?
These are really difficult issue. Let us know your reactions to the topics raised in the video by posting your comments below.
