Former Israeli Intelligence Chief Warns of Strategic Failures Despite Military Gains

Major General (res.) Dror Shalom, former head of the Research Division in Israel's Military Intelligence and later the Political-Security Directorate at the Ministry of Defense, spoke candidly about Israel's strategic situation in a rare interview following his recent retirement. Despite nearly three years of ongoing conflict, Shalom highlighted that all Israeli fronts remain active and unresolved. He acknowledged significant operational and military achievements, crediting Israel's unique defense ecosystem, but stressed a profound strategic failure due to the lack of decisive outcomes against key adversaries such as Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran.

Shalom pointed out that Hamas remains intact, Hezbollah retains its weapons, and Iran continues its nuclear program despite setbacks. He described Israel's international standing as being at an unprecedented low, with strained relations with the United States. He emphasized the absence of a "finishing move" to end conflicts strategically. Shalom praised the return of hostages as a rare success, attributing it largely to former U.S. President Donald Trump's administration and public pressure.

Regarding Gaza, Shalom urged adherence to Trump's 20-point plan, advocating for a political alternative to Hamas alongside targeted elimination of Hamas operatives abroad. On Iran, he criticized the lack of a clear Plan B after the U.S. withdrew from the JCPOA nuclear deal, warning that Iran's nuclear ambitions persist and military options should have been pursued earlier. He called for state commissions of inquiry into the October 7 attacks and the Iran issue to clarify decision-making across political, military, and intelligence levels.

Shalom also stressed the need to strengthen Israel's strategic thinking and diplomatic initiatives, including improving ties with Egypt, Jordan, and expanding alliances with countries like Cyprus, Greece, Azerbaijan, Japan, and Nordic nations. He highlighted the importance of investing in education and technology to maintain Israel's qualitative edge. Ahead of a planned meeting between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Donald Trump, Shalom recommended a broad approach combining military pressure on Iran with diplomatic efforts across multiple fronts, dismissing ideas of toppling the Iranian regime solely through airstrikes or Kurdish forces as unrealistic.

In summary, Shalom called for a holistic national security strategy integrating military strength, diplomatic innovation, and educational investment to restore Israel's strategic position and achieve lasting peace and security.