Retired Brig. Gen. Dror Shalom Calls Israel's Strategic Position a Resounding Failure

Retired Brigadier General Dror Shalom, former head of research at Israeli Military Intelligence (AMAN) and former head of the Political-Security Division at the Ministry of Defense, delivered a critical assessment of Israel's strategic situation during a conference hosted by INSS and Yedioth Ahronoth on July 27, 2026. Speaking publicly for the first time since his 2020 military retirement, Shalom acknowledged Israel's operational achievements but described the overall strategic outcome as a "resounding failure" across all fronts. He noted that Hamas remains operational, Hezbollah has not disarmed, and Iran is negotiating with the U.S. over the Strait of Hormuz rather than its nuclear program.

Shalom emphasized that Israel could have secured the release of hostages earlier and in greater numbers, crediting former U.S. President Donald Trump and public pressure for pushing the American administration to prioritize their return. He called for a new strategic order in Gaza, criticizing the current lack of strategy and advocating for advancing Trump's "20 points" plan, including establishing an alternative government to Hamas and targeting its operatives abroad.

Addressing Iran's nuclear issue, Shalom criticized the U.S. withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal as lacking a backup plan, warning it accelerated Iran's violations and increased the risk of military conflict. He urged the formation of a state commission to investigate the political, military, and intelligence discourse on Palestinian and Iranian matters over the years.

Shalom also highlighted Israel's declining international standing and strained U.S. relations, describing a loss of "kinetic energy" despite significant efforts. To improve Israel's strategic position, he recommended strengthening ties with the U.S., Egypt, and Jordan, deepening the Abraham Accords into regional alliances, increasing defense budgets, and investing in education and academia to prevent brain drain. He concluded that national security requires a holistic approach, including nurturing the next generation of engineers and scientists to achieve necessary technological breakthroughs.