Ex-PM Aide Warns of War, Economic Crisis if Netanyahu Re-elected
Translated & summarized from Al-Shams by baba
Former Prime Minister's Office Director-General Shimon Sheves warned that Benjamin Netanyahu's re-election could lead to escalating wars, economic decline, and increased emigration. He cited ongoing conflicts, potential sanctions, and a NIS 350 billion defense budget increase as major concerns. Sheves also highlighted a significant exodus of doctors and other professionals, predicting further societal and economic strain if current policies continue, potentially leading to poverty and isolation.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Former official Shimon Sheves warned of war, economic crisis, and brain drain if Netanyahu is re-elected.
- Sheves cited potential escalation of conflicts in Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran, straining reservists.
- He warned of economic repercussions from reduced international support and potential sanctions.
- Over 1,300 doctors and 270,000 Israelis have left the country in recent years, Sheves noted.
- Sheves urged voters to consider potential negative outcomes before the upcoming October 27th elections.
Shimon Sheves, former Director-General of the Prime Minister's Office, has warned of severe consequences should Benjamin Netanyahu be re-elected, projecting a potential escalation of wars, a deepening economic crisis, increased emigration of skilled professionals, and a decline in Israel's international standing if Netanyahu's government continues for another four years. Sheves argued in a published article that the next few years will mirror the past four, potentially pushing Israel toward an existential crisis.
He highlighted that ongoing conflicts in Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran would lead to continuous depletion of soldiers, particularly reservists facing repeated service extensions due to the lack of Haredi conscription. This situation, he noted, threatens the livelihoods and family stability of reservists, while the government reportedly plans to extend mandatory military service and exempt Haredim. Sheves referenced Netanyahu's past statements about Israel becoming "Athens and Super Sparta," suggesting that increased security spending and military attrition could exhaust society and the economy, eroding trust in institutions.
Economically, Sheves pointed to Netanyahu's reported request for a NIS 350 billion increase in the defense budget over the next decade, alongside talk of reducing reliance on U.S. aid. He cautioned that diminished international support and potential sanctions could negatively impact exports, credit, and investments, while increasing the tax burden on citizens and reducing spending on education and health, affecting savings and pension funds. Sheves also noted growing calls for sanctions against Israeli sports, warning that continued isolation could spread to other sectors.
Internally, Sheves accused the government of undermining public institutions by appointing loyalists over professionals, predicting that a decline in police performance and rising crime could increase societal risks. He recalled past failures like the Carmel fire, the Mount Meron disaster, and the October 7th attacks, warning that continued professional decline in institutions could lead to new catastrophes. Regarding the health sector, Sheves cited that 1,369 doctors left Israel between 2023 and 2025, reflecting challenges in the healthcare system. He also mentioned that approximately 270,000 Israelis have left the country for three months or more in the past three years, warning of further loss of engineers, tech workers, and entrepreneurs.
Sheves concluded by urging voters to consider the consequences of their political choices, emphasizing that while everyone has the right to vote according to their beliefs, they must understand the potential outcomes before the October 27th elections. He warned that continuing the current path could lead Israel to greater poverty, isolation, division, and weakness.