Think Tank Warns Israel Faces Internal Collapse Amid External Threats

MIND Israel, a non-partisan organization focused on foreign policy and defense strategy, has issued a stark warning about internal threats to Israel's existence, arguing that these could undermine the nation's security and regional standing. The group, led by retired Major General Amos Yadlin and with Dr. Avner Golub as vice president, emphasizes that while Israel can become a regional power, its foundations are weakening.

Golub explained that civilizations typically collapse from within due to factors like weakened social cohesion, declining trust in institutions, prioritizing short-term political gains over long-term national interests, and an inability to adapt. He cautioned that these internal processes will inevitably impact foreign policy and security, a risk MIND Israel aims to mitigate.

The organization, which advises government and security bodies, has developed a four-year strategic program and a "first 100 days" plan for the next government. This initiative, involving around 100 experts, identified six critical issues: Israel's regional status, human capital quality, the economy-security nexus, governance efficiency, national resilience, demographics, and relations with the U.S. and diaspora Jews. Education was highlighted as a foundational element across all these areas.

Regarding the nation's future, Golub noted two opposing viewpoints among experts: one optimistic, seeing Israel's resilience through recent crises as a sign of strength and progress towards becoming a major power; the other pessimistic, believing the collapse process has already begun due to an identity crisis, loss of control, and diplomatic emergencies.

MIND Israel urges voters to demand clear plans from political parties on these critical issues, rather than focusing solely on political alliances. The organization advocates for a shift in national security thinking, moving beyond the "iron wall" concept to actively shaping the environment beyond Israel's borders, and building regional bridges with moderate Arab states, not just relying on the U.S.

The next government will face significant challenges, including military conscription, defense budget increases, integrating Haredi and Arab populations, technological infrastructure development, and educational reform. Golub expressed cautious optimism, believing that while leadership understands the threats, they need to be pushed beyond political limitations to implement a realistic, visionary approach.