Former Israeli National Security Chief Highlights Social Cohesion as Key to National Security
Dr. Eyal Hulata, former Israeli National Security Advisor and head of the National Security Council, and a senior former Mossad official, discussed Israel's evolving security challenges in a podcast hosted by Reichman University and Calcalist. Speaking with Dr. Yossi Meravi and student Maayan Shnir, Hulata emphasized that social cohesion is a critical component of national security, not a soft issue. He noted that societal divisions and polarization in early 2023 were perceived by Israel's enemies and contributed to the events leading up to October 7. However, the strength of Israeli civil society was evident after the attack, with returning soldiers, volunteer networks, and civilian organizations mobilizing rapidly to assist evacuees and victims. Hulata warned that a return to hatred and division would weaken this social defense layer.
Hulata criticized the lack of clear strategic objectives in Israel's war management, highlighting a gap between public rhetoric of "total victory" and the actual decisions made by the security cabinet. He stressed the political leadership's responsibility to clearly define military missions and broader strategic goals, noting that eliminating threats like Hamas requires combined military, political, and regional efforts.
Regarding border defense, Hulata argued that relying solely on physical barriers is an illusion, especially given Israel's extensive borders and manpower shortages. He called for expanding the military and recruiting broadly across society but acknowledged that soldiers cannot be stationed at every settlement or border segment. He also identified drones as a rapidly growing threat, particularly swarms of low-flying, hard-to-detect drones used for smuggling and attacks. Hulata urged Israeli tech entrepreneurs to develop advanced detection and interception systems, moving beyond improvised field solutions.
Hulata further highlighted the importance of the information and social media battlefield, where hostile actors deepen internal divisions and damage Israel's global standing, especially among youth. Reichman University is establishing a cognitive security lab to research and counteract manipulative online campaigns.
Beyond technology, Hulata sees education and social resilience as vital. Conversations with local leaders in border communities reveal pressing questions about raising children who have experienced trauma and restoring families' sense of home and security. He advocates for social entrepreneurship, informal education, and mental health support to help peripheral communities recover and thrive.
Strategically, Hulata views regional integration as crucial for Israel's future, citing the Abraham Accords and the IMEC corridor linking India to Europe via the Gulf, Jordan, and Israel as frameworks for shared economic interests and stability. He draws optimism from Israel's younger generation, inspired by their desire to shape the country's future and make a difference through entrepreneurship. Hulata concluded, "From here, we just need to succeed together."
