Isaac Yeffet Quotes

Powerful Isaac Yeffet for Daily Growth

About Isaac Yeffet

Isaac Yeffet, born on June 16, 1938, in Jerusalem, Israel, was a prominent Israeli military strategist, intelligence officer, and author, widely recognized for his expertise in counterterrorism and homeland security. Yeffet served in the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) for three decades, retiring as a Major General. His most notable roles included serving as the head of Military Intelligence and the National Security Council's Counterterrorism Bureau. His military career was marked by his contributions to Israel's defense strategies during critical periods, including the Yom Kippur War and the First Lebanon War. After retiring from the IDF, Yeffet turned to academia, teaching at Haifa University and Tel Aviv University. He also wrote extensively on security-related topics. His book, "Terror in the Name of God: The Global Impact of Religious Terrorism," published in 1993, remains a seminal work on religious terrorism. Yeffet's experiences and insights from his military career heavily influenced his works. He was particularly interested in understanding the mindset of terrorist organizations and developing effective counterterrorism strategies. His book, "The Infida War: Palestinian Terrorism and Israeli Counter-Terrorism," published in 1989, provides a comprehensive analysis of the First Intifada from both perspectives. Throughout his career, Yeffet was recognized for his contributions to Israel's security and was awarded several honors, including the Israel Defense Prize and the Presidential Medal of Merit. He passed away on December 16, 2016, leaving behind a significant body of work that continues to influence discussions on counterterrorism and homeland security.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Aviation safety is a relative term. It's like asking if a building is fire safe. The question should be: how safe?"

This quote emphasizes that aviation safety, similar to architectural fire safety, is not an absolute state of being but rather a matter of degrees or levels of safety. The implication is that we should always strive for higher levels of safety, recognizing that there can always be improvements made to reduce risk and increase security in any given situation. It also encourages a proactive, continuous improvement mindset, suggesting that the question of safety should not just focus on whether incidents occur but rather how close one comes to potential hazards or dangers.


"The most dangerous thing in aviation is the last decision before the crash."

This quote highlights a crucial aspect of high-risk industries, including aviation, where every decision matters significantly. The "last decision before the crash" underscores the importance of making informed, careful, and well-thought-out decisions in critical situations. It emphasizes that even when facing seemingly insurmountable challenges or under pressure, it is essential to prioritize safety, rational thinking, and sound judgment, as a single, poorly considered decision can lead to catastrophic consequences. The quote serves as a call to vigilance and reminds us of the importance of careful decision-making in any high-risk endeavor.


"If something can go wrong, it will at the worst possible moment."

This quote by Isaac Yefet encapsulates the notion that unexpected problems or mishaps tend to occur at the most inconvenient times. It underscores the inherent unpredictability of life events and serves as a reminder for individuals to be prepared, anticipate potential issues, and maintain a level of resilience to navigate through such adversities effectively when they inevitably arise.


"In safety, one must always think of what could happen, and not only what should happen."

This quote emphasizes the importance of considering potential risks or dangers, rather than solely focusing on planned outcomes, in order to ensure safety. It suggests that a proactive approach, which anticipates potential issues or mishaps, is crucial for maintaining safety and security.


"Safety is built in, or it's bolted on."

This quote emphasizes the importance of incorporating safety measures into the core design and development of systems, processes, or structures rather than viewing it as an afterthought or addition (bolted on). Safety should not be considered as a separate entity but as an integral part of the foundation, ensuring that it is robust, reliable, and effective. A proactive approach to safety reduces risks, saves costs in the long run, and promotes a culture of responsibility and care.


Realize that a Muslim will know that his wife was seen naked in this machine. You know what would be the reaction?... Terrible. I believe there's technology out there that can identify bomb-type materials without necessarily, overly invading our privacy.

- Isaac Yeffet

Believe, Privacy, Muslim, Materials

They can argue whatever they want. The problem is, when you interview every passenger, during the interviews you are looking for - you profile - you do profiling, to find the suspicious ones and put them out from the rest of the passengers.

- Isaac Yeffet

Rest, Want, Passengers, Interview

We need to put undercover security armed people at the curbside of the terminal with the uniform of policemen. We need to protect the terminal. We need to protect the security checkpoint, the gate, the aircraft, the perimeter.

- Isaac Yeffet

Need, Aircraft, Checkpoint, Policemen

There is only so much negotiating and maneuvering that can be done while the aircraft is under siege in mid-air. Therefore, the best way to put a stop to hijacking is by having high levels of security implemented by qualified and trained personnel both on the ground and in the air.

- Isaac Yeffet

Qualified, Best Way, Trained, Negotiating

Why we cannot build a system like El Al to be proactive. Why do we have only to react? The shoe bomber - reaction? Take off your shoes. The Nigerian - the body scanner is a result of the Nigerian guy.

- Isaac Yeffet

Reaction, Like, We Cannot, Shoe

After Lockerbie, everyone thought, now we've learned the lesson of how to be proactive instead of being reactive. Unfortunately, September 11 came and we know the result. Thousands of people lost their lives. Security totally failed, not at one airport, at three different airports around the country.

- Isaac Yeffet

Thought, Country, Proactive

As the head of security for an airline, I can't ask my passengers to risk their lives and jump on a terrorist. This is why we need air marshals on every flight.

- Isaac Yeffet

Flight, Passengers, Lives, Terrorist

We know that the airports are not protected as they should be protected. The terminals are public areas, wide open - anyone can go and walk at any terminal he wants.

- Isaac Yeffet

Go, Wide, Any, Terminal

Stop relying only on technology. Technology can help the qualified, well-trained human being but cannot replace him.

- Isaac Yeffet

Human Being, Qualified, Relying

Now we are using the body scanner to scan the pilots. They became the dangerous people of this country?

- Isaac Yeffet

Country, Became, Using, Pilots

We have an illusion of security, we don't have security.

- Isaac Yeffet

Security, Illusion

There is no comparison between the training here and the training in Israel.

- Isaac Yeffet

Training, Here, Israel, Comparison

If you're searching for quotes on a different topic, feel free to browse our Topics page or explore a diverse collection of quotes from various Authors to find inspiration.