Israel Risks 'National Suicide' by Embracing Messianic Ideology, Warns Analyst

An Israeli social activist and businessman warns that the country is on a dangerous path toward a "second Masada" due to a growing embrace of messianic ideology within the government and public. The author, Micha Avni-Milch, argues that this ideology, fueled by emotional and irrational considerations rather than facts, is leading Israel towards a catastrophic future.

Avni-Milch contends that the "messianic concept" is more dangerous than the intelligence failure that preceded the October 7th Hamas attack, as it cannot be disproven by facts and interprets failures as tests of faith. He criticizes the current Israeli policy of increased force, population displacement, and subjugation, suggesting it is a direct result of this messianic thinking, which he believes is disconnected from reality and rational thought.

He draws a parallel to the successful peace agreements with Egypt and Jordan, which were based on mutual interests and de-escalation, not blind faith. Avni-Milch specifically calls out Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and his followers for "igniting the area" and complicating the IDF's mission with their extreme aspirations for permanent territorial control and the expulsion of Palestinians.

Furthermore, the author asserts that Israel's hardline stance has alienated Western nations and eroded its crucial relationship with the United States. He laments that critics of this policy are automatically labeled as anti-Semites or terror sympathizers, preventing a rational discussion about the country's direction. Avni-Milch warns that without a leadership capable of making brave strategic decisions based on reality and building consensus, Israel risks isolation and a severe weakening of its capabilities.

The piece concludes with a stark warning against continuing on this path, urging a return to the pragmatic, vision-based leadership exemplified by David Ben-Gurion, rather than succumbing to a messianic fantasy that ignores resource limitations and potential consequences. He stresses the need for decisions based on reality, not prophecy, and for a clear understanding of national goals versus the ability to achieve them, to avoid national suicide.