Ex-IDF General Warns Netanyahu's Decisions Driven by Politics, Not Price

Former IDF General Yisrael Ziv has issued a strong warning regarding Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's decision-making, particularly concerning potential military action against Iran. Ziv expressed deep concern that political considerations are overriding security needs, stating that there are "no limits, no inhibitions, no brakes" on the political infiltration of security decisions. He specifically criticized the possibility of a war with Iran, asserting that there is currently no urgent need for such a conflict.

Ziv voiced significant distrust in Netanyahu's judgment, suggesting the Prime Minister might defy former U.S. President Donald Trump. He pointed to the strained relationship between Israel and the U.S., noting that Trump had previously canceled a critical aid and cooperation agreement with Israel. Ziv believes Netanyahu might be attempting to create a sense of emergency to benefit himself politically, potentially delaying any move to replace him and buying time for Gadi Eisenkot to form a new government. "The prices don't interest him," Ziv stated, implying Netanyahu is unconcerned with the potential consequences of his actions.

Addressing the role of the IDF Chief of Staff, Eyal Zamir, Ziv emphasized that the military chief is not an executor of political whims but a state official. He urged Zamir to stand firm against the cabinet if a military move is not justified, even if it means confronting them directly. Ziv questioned why, if there were an immediate threat from Iran, it wouldn't be clearly communicated to the public. He characterized the current cabinet as irresponsible for potentially pushing the IDF into a constitutional crisis, citing past instances.

Despite his criticism of the political echelon, Ziv expressed confidence in the military leadership, including Zamir and the new Air Force commander Tisler, describing them as responsible individuals who understand their roles. He compared the current situation to past security events during government transitions but stressed that the circumstances are different, particularly regarding the lack of a clear, visible threat that would warrant a war with Iran.

During the conversation, another participant, Meshel, suggested that Netanyahu would likely avoid initiating a war given the current political and security climate. However, Ziv disagreed, stating, "Every citizen who wakes up in the morning wants to believe your words, but unfortunately, we have seen a loss of boundaries here. I do not trust the considerations of this Prime Minister. That's the bottom line."