Right-Wing Conference Criticizes IDF's 'Lack of War Concept' Pre-Oct. 7

A right-wing conference held in Jerusalem on Thursday, titled "The Deep State: How Can the People Prevail?", featured sharp criticism of the Israeli defense establishment's approach prior to the October 7th Hamas attacks. Among the speakers were Minister of Diaspora Affairs Amichai Chikli and Member of Knesset Amit Halevi.

The conference, organized by the 6:29 Institute, focused on the relationship between elected officials and government systems, with a particular emphasis on right-wing claims that unelected elements unduly influence government policy. Organizers defined 6:29 AM on October 7, 2023, as the moment the public "woke up and demanded to return to being sovereign," and when it became clear that the civil service could not handle the crisis alone.

Minister Chikli asserted that prior to October 7th, the military echelon effectively led the agenda, with the political echelon having little ability to counter professional assessments. He argued that intelligence bodies should focus on enemy intentions and capabilities, not on preventing war through political means. Chikli also criticized the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) for being misled by Hamas, particularly regarding the concept of a long-term ceasefire.

MK Amit Halevi echoed these sentiments, stating that the issue lies not just with individuals but with the entire "school of thought" and concepts used by the defense establishment. He criticized the pre-October 7th notion of "deterred Hamas," attributing it to a worldview focused on the enemy's economic and social considerations. Halevi specifically stated that the IDF lacks a "concept of war" because it does not perceive an enemy, and that terms like "occupation" are considered taboo within the military.

Despite the critical tone, the conference hall, which seats hundreds, was nearly empty, with organizers claiming thousands were watching online. The event, scheduled to run until the evening, drew an older demographic. The conference also included Likud candidates David Peter and Erez Tzadmor, and Nobel laureate Prof. Yisrael Aumann.