Israel's Next Government Faces Internal Strife and Security Challenges

A new Israeli government, should one be formed, will face significant internal struggles and must prioritize security over immediate punitive actions, according to analyst Ran Adlist. The "change government" is expected to encounter a frustrated and angry right-wing public, making its fight for proper governance a constant battle. Adlist argues that focusing on immediate investigations or dismantling failed projects, while potentially justified, could drain the new government's resources and distract from the most urgent task: overhauling the defense system. This overhaul, he stresses, is not about new security doctrines but about fixing the fundamental mechanics of the military and its infrastructure.

The article highlights a specific incident involving settler leader Avi Bluth, who reportedly sought to conceal his involvement in a meeting with settlers regarding the purchase of homes in Jericho. The IDF stated the entry into the homes was unauthorized, raising questions about Bluth's actions and potential negligence or intent. The piece also touches on the military's reluctance to dismiss two command chiefs, suggesting a new government's backing is needed for a military that understands its limitations.

Adlist posits that a realistic security approach would involve withdrawing from Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria to the 1967 borders. He suggests that Prime Minister Netanyahu might delay such a move, waiting for a provocation to justify continued presence in Lebanon. Despite current military advantages over neighbors, Adlist warns that Netanyahu's fear-mongering campaign has been his most successful tactic. He also notes growing resistance within the IDF to its current operations in Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, and Syria, urging Eisenkot to engage in open dialogue with the Chief of Staff to prevent escalation.

The author criticizes the internal maneuvering within the "change bloc" parties, suggesting their public displays are more about solidifying their identities than preventing government formation. The primary challenge for Gadi Eisenkot and his partners, Adlist concludes, is to survive the interim period until a government is formed, all while enduring personal attacks aimed at undermining his leadership. Eisenkot is portrayed as suppressing his own anger and desire for revenge with iron discipline.