Former IDF Officer Warns Netanyahu Against Returning to Containment Policy

Retired IDF Colonel Hazi Nechama issued a blunt warning on Sunday in an interview with Dana Varon on Channel 14, telling Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz not to drift back to what he called a policy of “rounds and containment.” He said that after “two and a half years” of effective action, Israel is starting to show signs of that approach again, and insisted, “this must not happen.”

Nechama urged the public to press the government to deliver on its commitments and achieve “full decision” against both Hamas and Hezbollah. “This is the time to achieve these goals,” he said, arguing that Israel should not settle before finishing its stated objectives.

He also warned against an emerging nuclear deal with Iran if it does not require the removal of enriched uranium from the country. He said outside considerations such as the global economy or international events may be influencing decision-making, but added, “It is forbidden to sign an agreement without, at the very least, the enriched uranium being taken out of Iran.” If that condition is omitted, he said, “it will be a strategic mistake.”

Nechama further addressed the Lebanese front, saying Israel must not connect the developments with Iran to the fight against Hezbollah in Lebanon. “For us, that connection must not exist,” he said. The remarks were aired in a broadcast framed as a direct message to the Israeli government.