IDF Intelligence Blocks Dr. Mordechai Kedar From Leading New Haredi Intelligence Training Program

Military Intelligence has barred Lt. Col. (res.) Dr. Mordechai Kedar from leading a new program to train Haredi intelligence researchers, and has demanded that someone else head the initiative.

The IDF Intelligence Directorate rejected the orientalist Lt. Col. (res.) Dr. Mordechai Kedar from leading a new program intended for Haredi intelligence researchers, it was reported this morning (Wednesday) on the GLC morning news program. According to the program, students from the Haredi hesder yeshiva in Gan Yavne are slated to study for a bachelor's degree in economics, data analysis, Arabic and the Middle East. After their studies, the participants were supposed to continue serving as researchers in Military Intelligence, but the intelligence branch blocked this and did not approve cooperation with Kedar.

The report said that Dr. Kedar has a record of controversial statements. Among other things, Kedar has spread conspiracy theories claiming that Yigal Amir did not assassinate former Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin, of blessed memory. Kedar is also known for his hard-line views toward the Muslim world.

The IDF did not formally acknowledge that these views and statements were what led to the rejection of the cooperation with him. However, the army confirmed that he was indeed the person proposed by the program’s initiators to lead the current project. Military Intelligence rejected his candidacy and demanded that someone else lead the program, after Dr. Kedar had already personally confirmed his participation in the initiative.

No official response was received from Dr. Mordechai Kedar regarding the publication.