US-Funded Group Aims to Reshape Israeli Security Elite with Far-Right Officers

A new organization funded by American Jews, called the "Center for Israeli Freedom," is reportedly working to reshape Israel's security establishment by cultivating a new generation of far-right officers. This initiative is seen as a successor to "Hope Fund," which previously supported the "Kohelet" organization that was instrumental in developing the judicial overhaul plan. The "Center for Israeli Freedom" is associated with the "Argaman Institute," led by Ronen Shoval, founder of the far-right movement "Im Tirtzu." The institute runs programs, including the "Churchill Program," which convenes security personnel weekly in Jerusalem to discuss conservative ideas and build a network intended to form a new right-wing elite, mirroring the conservative movement in the United States.

A report in the newspaper "Haaretz" suggests that wealthy American Jews are attempting to influence Israel's leadership, shifting their focus from legal experts to security officials who advocate for the "transfer" of Palestinians and perpetual conflict. The "Churchill Program" has graduated 65 individuals, including figures in media, government advisory roles, military and reserve officers, legal experts, and Prime Minister Netanyahu's office staff. Notably, participants have included students and teachers from the preparatory military college in the settlement of Eli, a stronghold of the far-right.

According to a 270-page document outlining the "new vision for Israel's security" developed by "Churchill Program" participants, peace is not a strategic goal, and conflict is inevitable. The document advocates for preemptive strikes, expanding the ground forces, establishing buffer zones outside Israeli territory, and preparing for multi-front warfare, including deep invasions. It also suggests that Egypt and Jordan could become adversaries again, requiring contingency plans.

The document further asserts that Israel's enemies are ideologically driven and seek its destruction, and that core issues with Palestinians are unsolvable, with no difference between the Palestinian Authority and Hamas. It proposes dismantling the PA, annexing the West Bank entirely, and encouraging "voluntary" Palestinian emigration, suggesting the establishment of a dedicated ministry and a new airport near the Allenby Bridge crossing to facilitate this. The vision also calls for a "mobilized nation" consciousness, potentially funded by reducing U.S. aid and cutting public sector spending and salaries, while freezing programs in education and culture.

Additionally, the document calls for reformulating the Israeli military's ethical code to be based on a national, rather than universal, moral principle, emphasizing victory and national identity. It suggests abandoning universal ethical values based on human dignity and incorporating a principle that the "eradication of the enemy is paramount." Shin Bet head David Zini, a graduate of the "Churchill Program," has reportedly stated he has an agenda he wishes to advance, aligning himself with the "elected level."