I have served Israel for over 40 years. I have fought in his wars and participated in the deliberations of important decisions in various cases, going through some of the most difficult and complex events of my life.
I have worked to strengthen the state and have always believed in the path we have chosen: a Jewish-democratic and innovative country, based on military, economic and social strength, ensuring her survival and wealth.
Former IDF CEO Gadi Eisenkot
(Photo: Ohad Zwigenberg)
Now, the times are difficult for Israel as it has to deal not only with foreign enemies but with challenging political crisis coupled with very violent public communication and a lack of faith in its institutions and leaders. The crisis that is deepening Israel’s division and social pressure.
Israel needs leadership that would push for its national values, led by example, work to strengthen public confidence in its institutions, strengthen the public sector and strike a balance between the branches of judgment, action and legislation , while accepting helpful and bold ideas. criticism.
The coronavirus pandemic this year has wreaked havoc and severe economic damage to all sections of Israeli society.
With the start of the national vaccination campaign less than two weeks ago, we are beginning to see the first signs of hope. But we are still a long way from the end and it will take years for Israel to recover from the economic crisis that accompanied the pandemic.
Teachers receiving the coronavirus vaccine at a medical facility in central Israel
(Photo: Yuval Hen)
The self-employed, the lowest paid, small business owners, low-income families have been hit hard by this crisis, which has created hundreds of thousands of unemployed and trapped by Israeli social bravery.
Along with the pandemic of coronavirus, security threats remain high: the Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank, a failing enemy state in Syria and Lebanon to become a playground for Iran – working to test regional hegemony and improve its nuclear capabilities.
These threats are important, but they do not exist for us. Israel stands strong thanks to its strategy that combines military and national supremacy. The threat is real at home, with the political situation gripping this country for the past two years.
The current main threat, jeopardizing our ability to fulfill our potential as a progressive, prosperous society in line with the vision set out in our Declaration of Independence.
Prosecutors against Netanyahu in Jerusalem
(Photo: Shalev Shalom)
A state founded on national-Jewish values, anchored by thousands of years of historical and religious traditions. Along with these values, we must ensure full equality for all, regardless of religion, nationality, race or gender and the struggle for freedom, justice and peace.
We need to change our priorities and try to use the coronavirus pandemic to make profound changes, which will give us and future generations a better and more collaborative future. This will only be achieved if we can work together properly and quickly. We must stop political kicking and stop separating ourselves according to political lines.
We need to strengthen public confidence in the institutions of the state, as we push for reforms that will ensure a real separation of power. This will strengthen the justice system and public confidence in it by recognizing that it is an important feature of Israeli democracy.
As well as strengthening our position at home we must continue to prepare for security threats. Our strategic position has improved, thanks to the normalization agreements signed by Israel in recent months with several Arab states.
LR: Bahrain FM Abdullatif al-Zayani, PM Benjamin Netanyahu, US President Donald Trump, and Emirati FM Abdullah bin Zayed Al-Nahyan at the signing of the Abrahamic Treaties at the White House
(Photo: AFP)
These treaties are based on our neighbors’ understanding that Israel is an economic, security and technological powerhouse.
I see great pressure in promoting active security to take down the capabilities of our enemies and prevent any action against Israel.
We must prevent any step or decision that could bring Israel closer to becoming a binational state, which would be a disaster for the future of the country.
We must work towards full separation from the Palestinians, and it would be better achieved through a full and complete agreement, with strict security arrangements, maintaining our population centers in the West Bank and the important Jordan Valley area. .
Members of the Hamas military wing in Gaza
(Photo: EPA)
All of this should be done through American support to ensure a real change in the social and economic realities of both peoples.
In the Gaza Strip, where an independent and failing entity threatens Israel, a long – term ceasefire should be reached, including preparations for the return of Israel ‘s enemies, the economic development of the region and total disarmament of the terrorist groups on the coastal enclave.