Israel's Leaders Evade Responsibility, Endangering Lives

Public corruption and the evasion of responsibility in Israel come at the cost of human lives, as demonstrated by recent national tragedies. The 2021 Meron disaster, where 45 people died due to a culture of negligence and disregard for repeated warnings about overcrowding, exemplifies this. Despite numerous State Comptroller reports and alerts concerning the dangers on Mount Meron, politicians allegedly prioritized appeasing Haredi leaders, approving their requests without adequate oversight. Even direct warnings to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding his conduct and national security risks, as outlined in a 2024 State Comptroller's warning letter concerning the "Naval Vessels Affair," have not led to accountability. Netanyahu's decision to seek public trust again in 2026 without taking responsibility for the October 7th massacre and the subsequent war highlights a profound erosion of accountability in Israel. He continues to serve as if unaffected by these events, facing no calls for his removal despite severe warnings.

The article criticizes the lack of accountability following the averted hijacking of a Flydubai plane on September 30, 2026. While passengers were saved, the incident exposed potential security failures. Instead of explanations, the public received a "public relations show." The article notes that Netanyahu's senior advisor attempted to attribute prior knowledge of the hijacking attempt to the Prime Minister, which only intensifies questions about his responsibility for preventing it. The head of the Shin Bet reportedly attended a religious study night instead of addressing the security lapse, and the incident was framed as a "miracle" without addressing the systemic failures.

Keren Turner, former Director-General of the Ministry of Transportation, argued that the averted Flydubai disaster should be investigated as if it had occurred, emphasizing that the Transportation Minister is responsible for the security of foreign airlines. A May 2024 State Comptroller report had already identified shortcomings in the Ministry of Transportation's security preparedness. The article contends that this culture of disregard, seen in Meron and the naval vessels affair, persists. It suggests that if the Prime Minister evades responsibility for the October 7th massacre, ministers will not feel obligated to account for ignored reports.

This evasion of responsibility, coupled with improper appointments, undermines public safety by degrading decision-making quality and the ability to correct errors before they become disasters. The article cites a report alleging that Idan David, Chairman of Netivei Ayalon, secured his position through forged documents and political connections, adding to a pattern of questionable appointments within the Ministry of Transportation. The public is aware of these issues, but authorities appear to be ignoring them.

The article further criticizes the ongoing refusal to establish a state commission of inquiry into the failures leading to the October 7th massacre, three years after the event. It argues that such an investigation is crucial not only for the public's right to know but also for preventing future disasters. The handling of the hostage negotiation process also warrants a comprehensive investigation into decisions made, opportunities missed, and the overall cost. The article contrasts this with past demands for investigations into the use of surveillance software by the police, questioning the differential response to the October 7th massacre.

Retired Major General Nitzan Alon is quoted stating that strategic achievements could have been reached much earlier, potentially saving hostages who died in captivity. He suggested that Prime Minister Netanyahu, along with other politicians, may have prioritized political and personal considerations alongside strategic ones. This statement, from a senior figure involved in decision-making and negotiations, should have prompted a thorough inquiry, but instead, the disregard for professional assessments has cost lives. Families of victims and hostages are vocal about the lack of accountability, with historian Boaz Zalmanovitch and Robi Chen, father of fallen soldier Itai Chen, expressing frustration over the absence of a state commission of inquiry and the lack of responsibility taken by those in power.