Retired Brigadier Erez Weiner Warns of Internal Threats Endangering Northern Israel

At the Galilee Conference held in Safed, retired Brigadier General Erez Weiner, chairman of "The Security Experts," outlined an emergency plan addressing both external and internal security threats facing northern Israel. The event was organized by the Ministry for the Negev, Galilee, and National Resilience in cooperation with the Galilee Development Authority. Weiner identified two main challenges threatening the region: the military threat from across the Lebanese border and a deep internal crisis marked by agricultural crime, extortion, population decline, and weakening state control.

Regarding the northern border security, Weiner emphasized the need to continue targeting Hezbollah and maintaining a buffer zone free of terror infrastructure and civilians under Israeli security forces' control. He stated, "Shlomi will not live under enemy control on Mount Sulam, and Metula and Manara will not be threatened from stone-throwing range. Peace through strength means we remain wherever necessary for Israel's security. Lebanon's government must act against Hezbollah, and we will do the work until it is disarmed."

Weiner also proposed demographic measures to strengthen the Jewish presence in the Galilee, advocating for broad housing and land preferences for soldiers, fighters, and reservists wishing to settle in the north. "The future of the Galilee requires demographic growth and a Jewish majority. A soldier or reservist who wants to build a home here should receive free land. This returns those who bear the burden and ensures Israeli hold on the Galilee."

Turning to internal security, Weiner issued a stark warning about the rise of crime and extortion, which he considers a greater threat than Hezbollah, Hamas, or Iran. He noted that 87% of contractors report paying protection money and called on Israel to decisively confront this issue. To combat organized crime in Arab society, he urged integrating the Shin Bet in enforcement efforts, increasing penalties, and replicating the agricultural farm model used in Judea and Samaria in the north. Weiner concluded that security in the Galilee depends on presence, settlement, governance, and determined military action to restore safety and secure the region's future.