Ex-Defense Minister Ya'alon Urges Political Bloc to Ally With Ra'am
Translated & summarized from Calcalist by baba
Former Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon advised the Israeli "change bloc" to partner with the Arab party Ra'am and seek external support from the Joint List to form a government. He also criticized Prime Minister Netanyahu's handling of US security aid and advocated for reducing Israel's defense budget. Ya'alon highlighted the importance of protecting critical infrastructure and pursuing diplomatic solutions in the region, noting the challenges posed by groups like Hezbollah and the Houthis.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Former Defense Minister Ya'alon urged the "change bloc" to ally with Ra'am and the Joint List for government formation.
- Ya'alon criticized Netanyahu for waiving US security aid without a cabinet discussion.
- He advocated for reducing Israel's large defense budget, citing irresponsible spending.
- Ya'alon stressed the critical need to protect Israel's national infrastructure from cyber threats.
- He called for pursuing peace and diplomatic settlements with Lebanon and Syria.
Moshe (Bugi) Ya'alon, former IDF Chief of Staff and Defense Minister, has advised the "change bloc" of Israeli political parties to form a government with the Arab party Ra'am and seek external support from the Joint List. Ya'alon stated that Ra'am "recognizes the State of Israel as Jewish and democratic," making it a suitable partner, while the Joint List, which has not yet reached that stage, could provide support from the outside. He made these remarks during a national infrastructure conference hosted by Calcalist and Bank Leumi.
Ya'alon also commented on the abrupt halt of US security aid to Israel, noting that while Israel's capabilities are strong, the relationship with the US is a crucial interest beyond the monetary value of $3.8 billion. He criticized Prime Minister Netanyahu for allegedly waiving the aid without a cabinet discussion, drawing parallels to past decisions regarding German submarine sales to Egypt and cash transfers to Hamas.
Addressing Israel's defense budget, Ya'alon advocated for its reduction, citing irresponsible spending akin to the period after the Yom Kippur War when the defense budget reached 35% of GDP. He recalled his role in formulating the "Ya'alon-Kahlon" plan, which included shortening mandatory military service and stabilizing the defense budget at 5% of GDP between 2016 and 2020, a move he believes positively impacted the IDF's readiness.
He emphasized the high cost of reserve duty, highlighting the strain on families and the need to preserve this vital, albeit expensive, resource. Ya'alon also touched upon the protection of critical national infrastructure, particularly in the face of cyber threats and potential attacks on offshore gas rigs by groups like Hezbollah. He expressed regret over corruption and political interference in defense procurement, referencing the controversial German submarine and naval vessel deals, and acknowledged receiving a warning letter from the Gronis committee but stated he was unconcerned due to his knowledge of the events.
Regarding the Houthi attacks impacting Eilat's port, Ya'alon described it as a complex issue, stressing that Israel, despite its perceived independence, is a small nation incapable of achieving absolute victory over all its enemies. He called for pursuing peace with moderates and suggested the possibility of political settlements with Lebanon and security arrangements with Syria, criticizing the current government's policies and its perceived lack of progress on these fronts.
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