Ex-National Security Chief Warns of Threat to Israel's National Interests

Former Israeli National Security Council head Giora Eiland has warned that the country faces a severe diplomatic crisis, stating that world leaders have lost trust in the Israeli government. Eiland believes Jerusalem's current approach is alienating allies and jeopardizing key national interests.

According to Eiland, the international perception of Israel's policies is shaped by the outspoken statements of radical ministers, such as Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's perceived silence on these matters. Eiland stated on 103FM radio that world leaders hear these radical voices clearly and interpret Netanyahu's silence as an endorsement of their policies, leading to widespread criticism.

Eiland described the government's confrontational stance as "stupid, childish, and dangerous." He urged a shift from trying to prove Israel right to engaging in constructive dialogue. The former general emphasized the need to prioritize and distinguish between vital interests requiring an uncompromising stance, such as security in Gaza and order in the West Bank, and areas where compromise is possible.

He also criticized the authorities' apparent inaction regarding illegal actions by Jewish extremists against Palestinians, arguing that this significantly damages Israel's international reputation. Eiland concluded that the world expects Israel to be honest, avoid lying, present valid arguments, and occasionally admit mistakes.