Author Argues Netanyahu Must Account for Failures, Not Just Successes

An opinion piece by Yair Avidan argues that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, despite his diplomatic and technological achievements, must take responsibility for failures during his tenure, asserting that leadership is tested by setbacks as much as by successes. Avidan contends that while Netanyahu deserves credit for the Abraham Accords, Israel's early COVID-19 vaccination drive, and its technological growth, these accomplishments do not grant immunity from criticism or absolve him of accountability.

The author highlights the Meron disaster, where a state inquiry commission found Netanyahu personally responsible, stating he knew or should have known about the site's poor conditions and risks. Avidan emphasizes that responsibility extends beyond criminal culpability, questioning the decision-making processes in the submarine affair, where Netanyahu received a warning notice, and the ongoing "Cases of the Thousand" trial, where the Prime Minister denies the charges.

Further concerns are raised regarding the Qatar affair, where Avidan notes that while guilt should not be determined prematurely, Netanyahu's governments allowed Qatari funds to be transferred to Gaza for years as a policy to manage the conflict, raising questions about judgment. The article also points out the absence of an independent inquiry into the October 7th attacks and the preceding policies.

Avidan concludes that a credible investigation cannot replace accountability, nor can accountability substitute for an investigation. He argues that the Prime Minister bears ultimate public responsibility for events on his watch, which requires a thorough examination of what happened, transparent findings, understanding systemic failures, and implementing lessons learned. If the Prime Minister is unwilling to accept personal responsibility, Avidan hopes the electorate will hold him accountable.