Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid testified before an independent commission, stating that Israel’s enemies, including Iran, Hezbollah, and terrorist organizations in Gaza and the West Bank, have perceived “weakness on the Israeli side.” Lapid explained that internal tensions, a decline in military capabilities, and a crisis in relations with the United States (U.S.) have contributed to these threats. According to him, both he and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu were informed of these risks during a security briefing on August 21st, 2023.
Lapid particularly emphasized the attempt by the Chief of the General Staff of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), Herzi Halevi, to warn Netanyahu about the dangers arising from internal divisions in Israel caused by the judicial reform. “Halevi requested a meeting with the Prime Minister, but he was denied,” Lapid said, adding that Halevi ultimately had to warn Netanyahu in writing. “Halevi wanted to leave a written record that he had warned of the danger, but that he was ignored.”
Moreover, Lapid then described how Israel’s enemies saw an opportunity to harm the country due to internal divisions and the weakening of deterrence. Brigadier General Avi Gil, Netanyahu’s military secretary, presented information on August 21st that clearly indicated that Iran and terrorist groups recognized “an opportunity to act due to internal division and the loss of military readiness,” Lapid said.
According to him, Netanyahu responded to this dramatic warning with indifference. “My personal impression was that the Prime Minister was indifferent,” Lapid said, adding that there were no comments from Netanyahu.
Lapid further stated that confidential intelligence obtained in September confirmed that Israel’s deterrence capability had been seriously weakened. At a meeting of the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee on September 18th, he saw additional warnings of possible violence. “For me, what I saw was unequivocal: Israel’s deterrent power had dramatically weakened, and our enemies believed they had a rare opportunity to harm us,” Lapid said.
Concerned by these findings, Lapid held a press conference on September 20th and publicly warned of a potential multi-front confrontation. “On the eve of Yom Kippur, I felt it was my duty to warn the citizens of Israel that we were approaching a multi-front confrontation,” he recalled.
Lapid concluded that Netanyahu was aware of the threats but ignored them.
“The Prime Minister knew, the cabinet knew, the defense establishment warned them, and all intelligence agencies repeatedly sent warnings,” Lapid said. “He knew it was the government’s responsibility to act on those warnings, but he did nothing,” Lapid concluded.
