Netanyahu's National Security Doctrine Attacked by Opposition Leaders

Opposition leaders sharply criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's newly published national security doctrine, released just nine days before elections. Gadi Eisenkot, Yair Lapid, and Naftali Bennett accused Netanyahu of security failures and attempting to present general principles instead of addressing the consequences of the October 7th failures.

Eisenkot, leader of the National Unity Party, described the document as "two hollow pages, full of slogans that have nothing to do with security concepts." He argued it reflects the "strategic emptiness" left by Netanyahu and a disregard for Israeli citizens' security. Eisenkot claimed Netanyahu has failed in all four war objectives he set after October 7th, citing Hamas's continued military and governing power in Gaza, the rebuilding of Hezbollah and other terror groups, and a decline in governance in Judea and Samaria. He pledged that a government he leads would establish a national security strategy within 150 days of its formation.

Former Prime Minister and Opposition Leader Yair Lapid called the document "superficial, strange, and looks like it was written by a free chat bot version." He stated that two pages of headlines cannot be taken seriously as a security concept and that most of its content is an attempt to deal with Netanyahu's failures.

Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett focused on Qatar's influence and the issue of Haredi conscription. He questioned how Israel's security concept could be trusted while "the Qatari agent continues to lurk in Netanyahu's office." Bennett asserted that security is proven in the field, not in speeches, and accused Netanyahu of allowing Hamas to persist and of sending them approximately NIS 250 million monthly, double the pre-October 7th amount. He also linked the IDF's manpower shortage to Haredi draft arrangements, arguing it hinders the ability to defeat Hamas.

Netanyahu's document outlined principles including preventing nuclear weapons for enemies, deterrence, intelligence, initiative, defense, international alliances, technological independence, and the battle for hearts and minds. He also emphasized increasing the defense budget and national cohesion. Netanyahu stated his intention to form a "broad national government" after the elections, opposing a Palestinian state, maintaining Israel as the Jewish nation-state, pursuing an offensive policy, and promoting a free economy. He criticized center-left parties for positions on Iran and political arrangements that he claims endanger Israel's security, and suggested Israel's enemies desire his electoral defeat.