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Advanced Certificate Program on Counter-Terrorism 2026

Program Date: July 26 – August 6, 2026

Program Location: Herzliya, Israel 

The Advanced Certificate Program on Counter-Terrorism, offered by the International Institute for Counter-Terrorism (ICT), is a unique opportunity for professionals to learn about central issues in counter-terrorism and homeland security both from those with first-hand experience and those involved in cutting-edge research in these fields. Based on years of extensive research, instruction, and work in the field, this multidisciplinary program brings together the best of academic theory and practical knowledge.

Program Structure

The Advanced Certificate Program on Counter-Terrorism combines academic study, simulations, workshops, trips, and on-site briefings. The course provides concentrated, in-depth exposure to the phenomenon of modern terrorism and its characteristics, modus operandi, scope, and dissemination throughout the world. In addition, participants will develop an understanding of the challenge this phenomenon presents to decision-makers, security establishments, first responders, and the business sector based on the experience Israel has accumulated in the field.

Circumstances have forced Israel to develop sophisticated counter-terrorism strategies and techniques and to amass extensive knowledge regarding terrorism, which is increasingly relevant amid today’s global conflicts and their regional repercussions. The program allows participants from around the world to benefit from Israel’s experience and advanced international counter-terrorism efforts.

The Advanced Certificate Program on Counter-Terrorism will be taught in English in Israel from July 26 to August 6, 2026. Designed as a multidisciplinary program, it is tailored for both new and experienced professionals across law enforcement, the military, security, intelligence, and business sectors who seek to deepen their understanding of terrorism, counter-terrorism, national security, and policymaking. It includes graduate-level courses delivered by top experts from Israel and abroad, who are among ICT’s senior researchers and associates.

Course visits will be announced with the course program. More information will be available soon.

Col. (Res.) Dr. Eitan Azani

Acting Director, International Institute for Counter-Terrorism (ICT), Reichman University

Dr. Michael Barak

Senior Researcher & Head of Global Jihad and Palestinian Terrorist Organizations Desks, ICT, Reichman University,…

Mr. Shalom Ben Hanan

Fellow, ICT, Reichman University & Former Head of the Counter-Intelligence Division, Israel Security Agency (ISA),…

Lt. Col. (Res.) Dr. Uri Ben Yaakov

Chief Operations Officer (COO) & Senior Researcher, ICT, Reichman University, Israel

Col. (Ret.) Miri Eisin

Senior Fellow, ICT, Reichman University; Founding Member of the Dvorah Forum, Israel

Prof. Boaz Ganor

President, Reichman University; Founder & Chairman of the Board of Directors, International Institute for Counter-Terrorism…

Mr. Brian Jenkins

Senior Advisor to the President, RAND Corporation, USA

Lt. Col. (Res.) Adv. Avi Kalo

Fellow, ICT, Reichman University & Former Head of the Missing in Action Department, Military Intelligence,…

Dr. Ely Karmon

Senior Research Scholar, ICT, Reichman University, Israel

Dr. Ariel Koch

Research Fellow, ICT & Adjunct Lecturer, Lauder School of Government, Diplomacy & Strategy, Reichman University,…

Dr. Liram Koblentz-Stenzler

Senior Researcher and Head of the Antisemitism and Global Far-right Extremism Desk, International Institute for…

Mr. Nitzan Levi

Fellow, International Institute for Counter-Terrorism (ICT), Reichman University, Israel

Brig. Gen. (Res.) Sigalit Maor-Hirsh

Former Head of the Cyber Division, Israel Security Agency (ISA); Fellow, ICT, Reichman University

Mr. Oz Noy

Fellow, International Institute for Counter-Terrorism (ICT), Reichman University, Israel

Mr. Alexander T. Pack

Head of Projects and Researcher, International Institute for Counter-Terrorism (ICT), Reichman University, Israel

Dr. David Scharia

Director and Chief of Branch, CTED

Dr. Eran Shadach

Research Fellow, ICT, Reichman University; Supervising Clinical Psychologist, Academic College of Tel-Aviv-Yaffo, Israel

Brig. Gen. (Res.) Amnon Sofrin

Former Commander, Combat Intelligence Corps, IDF; Former Head, Intelligence Directorate, Mossad, Israel

Mr. Yigal Unna

Former Director General of the Israel National Cyber Directorate (INCD), Israel

Dr. Shlomit Wagman

Former Director General, Money Laundering and Terror Financing Prohibition Authority, Israel

Prof. Gabriel Weimann

Senior Researcher, ICT; Full Professor, Lauder School of Government, Diplomacy and Strategy, Reichman University, Israel

Lt. Gen. (Res.) Moshe “Bogie” Ya’alon

Former Minister of Defense and Chief of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) General Staff, Israel

Prof. Moran Yarchi

Senior Researcher, ICT & Head of Digital Influence & Perceptions specialization, Sammy Ofer School of Communications,…

Dr. Sagit Yehoshua

Research Fellow

Explore the fundamental principles, strategies, and evolving practices that shape modern counter-terrorism efforts. Gain insight into how governments and security agencies adapt to complex and rapidly changing threats.

Examine how individuals are drawn into violent extremism across ideological lines. Analyze the psychological, social, and political drivers behind radicalization and discuss early warning signs and prevention strategies.

Trace the historical roots, ideological foundations, organizational structures, and adaptive strategies of global jihadist movements. Understand how these groups emerged, evolved, and continue to respond to counterterrorism efforts and geopolitical shifts.

Investigate how states increasingly employ terrorist proxies to achieve strategic goals without direct military engagement. Take a critical look at the blurred lines between state and non-state violence in today’s conflicts.

Gain an in-depth understanding of Iran’s regional influence through its extensive proxy network. Explore its strategic goals, operational methods, and the global implications of its activities.

Analyze Hezbollah’s unique role as both a political actor and a terrorist organization with international reach. Examine its evolution, tactics, and the challenges it poses to regional and global security, especially amid tensions along Israel’s northern border.

Understand the rise, governance, and military operations of Hamas within the Gaza Strip. Consider Hamas’ role in shaping the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, particularly amid the ongoing war in Gaza.

Explore the major Palestinian terrorist groups, their origins, ideologies, and operations. Assess how these organizations have evolved and their impact on both local conflict and international relations.

Investigate the global rise of far-right extremist movements and examine their organizational dynamics and ideological drivers. Address their use of digital platforms to recruit, mobilize, and spread influence, with a focus on their sharp rise in recent years.

Delve into the psychological traits and motivations of terrorists and their leaders. Gain insights into how psychology can inform counterterrorism efforts and prevention strategies.

Examine how terrorist groups finance their operations through both legal and illicit means. Learn about emerging trends, such as cryptocurrency, and the global challenges of tracking these funds.

Gain an inside look at Israel’s counterterrorism strategies, shaped by decades of near-constant threats. Understand tactical innovations, intelligence integration, and lessons learned from one of the world’s most experienced security environments.

Discover the critical role of intelligence in protecting national security and preventing attacks. Examine how intelligence agencies gather, analyze, and apply information in real-time threat environments.

Investigate the complexities of conducting counterterrorism operations in dense urban settings. Examine operational, ethical, and tactical challenges, including lessons drawn from urban warfare in Gaza.

Analyze the dynamics of hostage situations and the strategies used to resolve them. Consider the psychology of captors, negotiation techniques, and crisis management, with reference to the ongoing captivity of 59 hostages held by Hamas nearly two years into the Israel-Hamas war.

Learn the fundamentals of influence operations, from disinformation campaigns to political manipulation. Explore how state and non-state actors shape perceptions and behavior in conflict settings.

Investigate the intersection of artificial intelligence and cyberterrorism and analyze emerging threats. Consider how AI is transforming both offensive and defensive counterterrorism operations.

Gain hands-on training in open-source intelligence techniques. Develop practical skills in gathering and analyzing publicly available information for security and investigative purposes.

Participate in a hands-on, realistic terror attack simulation designed to test your response skills. Gain practical experience in coordination, decision-making, and crisis management.

Analyze the use of deepfake technology and coordinated influence campaigns to manipulate public opinion. Understand the growing security and ethical challenges posed by these tools.

“There is no better place to educate future leaders in the international struggle against terrorism than the ICT. The depth and breadth of its academic programs, and its ability to draw in first-rate scholars from around the world, and its partnering with other centers in pursuit of understanding this phenomenon, marks ICT as head and shoulders above other institutions of its type.”

– LTG (Ret.) Keith Dayton, Director George C. Marshall Center

“The world leader in academic counter-terrorism curriculum, the International Institute for Counter-Terrorism (ICT) is the standard by which other programs are measured. Boasting a renowned faculty, with leading edge insight, the ICT is at the forefront of teaching, research and practice in this domain.”

– Dr. Erroll G. Southers, University of Southern California

“The ICT provides one of the best academic settings in the world for the study of the dynamics of and defense against international terrorism. Staffed by a broad range of experts that combine both practical and academic expertise in combating terrorism, study at the institute provides unique and useful insight into one of the 21st century’s most difficult challenges.”

– General (Ret.) John Abizaid, Former Commander of US Central Command (CENTCOM)

“There is no better place than ICT anywhere in the world to learn about counterterrorism and homeland security. The professionals and academics at ICT are truly experts in their field, and the academic programs at ICT set the gold standard in counterterrorism studies.”

– Prof. William C. Banks, Director, Syracuse University

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