Israel Faces Growing Internal Front Threat, Warns Retired Colonel

Retired Colonel Amir Noy warns that Israel must prepare for a new reality shaped by a growing internal front, distinct from external threats. He emphasizes that this is not a declaration of war against Arab citizens but a call to recognize and address their national and political aspirations as a potential security risk. Noy distinguishes between the integration of various communities like Druze, Circassians, Christians, and Bedouins, and the deeper national tensions within parts of the Muslim Arab society concerning Israel's identity as the nation-state of the Jewish people.

The recent election results, which saw Arab parties collectively win an unprecedented 19 mandates, are highlighted as a significant political achievement. However, Noy points to disturbing reports of large cash sums, alleged vote-buying attempts, and other irregularities during the election, calling for thorough investigations before the deadline for election appeals on November 18th. He stresses that democracy requires not only the right to vote but also the integrity of the electoral process.

Noy also addresses the complex ties between Arab citizens of Israel and Palestinians in the West Bank, noting that while their legal statuses differ, family, national, and political connections necessitate examining their mutual influences. This, combined with international pressure for a Palestinian state, including recent European actions like vetoing construction in E1, poses a significant challenge. He argues that another Arab state between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea would lead to Israel's demise.

To counter these converging threats, external political pressure, internal identity struggles, rising crime and violence, and the exploitation of democratic mechanisms, Noy proposes several actions. These include forming a broad national unity government to redefine national interests, intensifying the fight against terror and incitement with deterrent punishments, restoring governance in Arab communities by combating organized crime and illegal weapons, and reforming the party disqualification mechanism to ensure transparency and evidence-based decisions. He also advocates for clear red lines against the Palestinian Authority and in the international arena, asserting that no political settlement can include another state between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea.

Noy concludes by stating that Israel cannot afford to ignore nationalistic groups that deny its right to exist. He urges an end to self-apology for Jewish sovereignty and a firm defense of the nation's security and future as the nation-state of the Jewish people. He warns that failing to address these internal challenges as a unified national and security issue could lead to a crisis, emphasizing the need for proactive measures rather than mere reactions.