Ex-Security Chiefs Warn of Election Sabotage Risk

Four former senior Israeli security officials have issued an unusual warning, featured in a new protest video, that deliberate security escalation could occur ahead of upcoming elections, potentially leading to their postponement or cancellation. They argue that such an escalation could serve political interests and that those who benefit from it possess both the means and the motive to instigate it. The officials urge preparedness for scenarios where the security situation impacts the elections.

Former Prime Minister and IDF Chief of Staff Ehud Barak stated in the video, "Security escalation on the eve of elections serves political campaigns. Whoever benefits from it has both the ability and the incentive." He emphasized that citizens' and soldiers' safety should not be jeopardized for election-related considerations.

Former Police Commissioner Moshe Karadi called the upcoming elections "perhaps the most dramatic since the establishment of the State of Israel" and stressed the need to prepare for any scenario preventing their timely holding. He specifically pointed to actions by "Jewish terrorists" in the West Bank, suggesting their aim is to provoke a large-scale IDF operation that could legitimize canceling the elections.

Former Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon warned that "Jewish rioters are trying to incite war" and called for preemptive action. Former Mossad Chief Tamir Pardo also addressed the possibility of election disruption, stating, "The danger looming before us is the postponement and cancellation of elections." He suggested a potential additional front with Turkey could be created to provide a pretext for delaying or canceling the vote.

The video was produced and distributed on social media by the "Forum of Struggle Organizations," a coalition of protest groups organizing weekly demonstrations against government policy. The forum plans a large protest outside the Knesset on September 17th, titled "Stopping the Election Disruption War," with transportation arranged from across the country.