Netanyahu's Targeting of Military and Security Establishments
In the wake of the October 7, 2023, events, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is intensifying efforts to reshape the military and security establishments. Amidst rising criticism regarding the military's failure to prevent the 'Al-Aqsa Flood' battle, Netanyahu has openly criticized Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi for allegedly withholding critical information from the political echelon and leaking sensitive details concerning the ongoing war in Gaza and negotiations for a prisoner exchange deal.
Newly appointed Defense Minister Yisrael Katz has also taken a hard stance, challenging Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar and refusing to sign administrative detention orders against certain settlers in the West Bank. This move indicates a broader strategy to align military actions with Netanyahu's political agenda, as Katz has demanded the cancellation of reserve duty for Eyal Naveh, a prominent figure in the protest movement against the government. This approach has raised concerns about a political purge within the military, as many reserve soldiers who oppose the government face suspension or other punitive measures.
Implications for Israeli Democracy and Military Structure
Critics, including political analysts and media outlets, warn that Netanyahu's actions could lead to severe repercussions for Israel's democratic framework. Nadav Eyal, a political analyst, argues that the current offensive against the military is not only an attempt to deflect blame for the failures of October 7 but also a broader campaign to undermine democratic institutions and eliminate political opposition.
The societal rift is expected to deepen as Netanyahu's government seeks to transform the Israeli army from a 'people's army' into a 'Netanyahu army,' which may prioritize loyalty to the government over traditional military values. This transformation is seen as part of an unprecedented coup to alter the ruling system in Israel, with potential risks to the nation's democratic integrity.
Experts like Ariel Porat, President of Tel Aviv University, emphasize the urgency for the Israeli public and civil society to resist these changes, warning that the actions taken against key figures in the judiciary and security sectors could have lasting impacts on the country's democratic structure.
