Israeli Military Historian Critiques Army's Major Failures During Operation Flood of Al-Aqsa
In a revealing interview with Maariv newspaper, Israeli military historian Uri Milstein has outlined the critical failures of the Israeli army during the recent Operation Flood of Al-Aqsa, which he termed "the greatest failure in the history of the state." Milstein, known for his candid critiques of the Israeli defense establishment, attributes this military debacle on October 7 to a legacy of operating as a militia rather than a professional army. He pointed out that the Israeli army's roots trace back to groups like the Haganah and Stern, which played controversial roles in the events surrounding the 1948 displacement of Palestinians.
Milstein emphasized that the Israeli military culture has not evolved significantly since its inception, stating, "Israel has not developed a real professional army." He noted that while special units perform well tactically, there is a significant gap in strategic leadership, leading to a lack of readiness for comprehensive warfare. "The soldiers succeeded in direct confrontation, but the absence of strategic thinking led to a lack of readiness for a comprehensive war," he explained. This, he argued, is not a new problem but one that has persisted throughout the army's history.
Calls for Transparency and Reform in Israeli Military Leadership
Milstein has also criticized the Israeli military leadership for its lack of transparency regarding the events of October 7, urging army chief of staff Herzi Halevi and retired military intelligence director Aharon Haliva to publicly address the situation. He warned that the absence of clarity has fueled conspiracy theories among the public, with some speculating that the military may have intentionally allowed a limited breach by Hamas as part of a containment strategy.
Furthermore, Milstein pointed to the entrenched party culture within Israeli politics as a contributing factor to the military's failures. He explained that the historical dominance of the Mapai party has fostered an environment where political opponents are viewed as internal enemies, detracting from a unified focus on national security.
Despite his criticisms, Milstein expressed hope for the future, noting a growing interest in his analyses both in Israel and internationally. He proposed the establishment of the "Weizmann Institute for Israel State Security," aimed at reforming the military's approach to security through expert collaboration and modern technology. He concluded with a stark warning: without significant changes in military and security culture, Israel risks repeating past mistakes, potentially facing failures of equal magnitude in the future.
