Boaz Lieberman Calls for New Israeli Social Contract After October 7 Crisis
Boaz Lieberman, a strategic crisis management advisor, outlines a vision for Israel's future following the October 7 attacks, emphasizing decisive action against enemies, effective governance, civic responsibility, economic freedom, and targeted support for vulnerable populations. He reflects on the chaos Israel faced on October 7, when the state struggled to function, but citizens stepped up, soldiers mobilized without orders, reservists joined units, civilians saved families, and communities filled institutional gaps. These citizens now bear the burden of national security, economy, and resilience, demanding a functioning state in return.
Lieberman stresses that security, economy, governance, education, and service are interconnected elements of a social contract between the state and its citizens. He argues that Israel must decisively defeat its enemies rather than manage threats through temporary measures, warning that past strategies have failed as adversaries have rearmed and prepared for future conflicts. He rejects the establishment of a Palestinian state near Israeli population centers, viewing it as a potential terror base, and asserts that true peace requires recognition of Israel's right to a secure, sovereign homeland.
The vision includes four key principles: first, decisive victory over enemies to deter future attacks; second, civic responsibility, including military or national service for all capable citizens, with a balanced approach to the ultra-Orthodox community; third, strong governance to combat organized crime and protect citizens and businesses from extortion and violence; and fourth, economic freedom through reducing bureaucracy, promoting competition, and fighting monopolies, while ensuring social support for those unable to support themselves.
Lieberman calls for a government overhaul to reduce unnecessary ministries and regulations, focusing on efficient, measurable services that contribute to security, growth, productivity, and dignity. He highlights the need for infrastructure and economic development in Israel's periphery, linking security and governance to investment and growth. Above all, he demands leadership that takes full responsibility, makes decisions, and executes them, moving beyond crisis management to prevention.
He concludes that the Israeli people have proven their commitment to the state, and now the state must fulfill its obligations to them through a new social contract that rewards service and initiative, protects the vulnerable without weakening the productive, respects Torah without politicizing it, restores security, and builds trust. Lieberman rejects further committees or slogans, calling instead for leadership that serves, decides, and acts.
