Former Head of Shin Bet, Carmi Gilon, has expressed concern over the current state of the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and its relationship with the political echelon and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. In an interview on radio 103fm, Gilon referred to a letter from former security system heads, highlighting the dire situation in the IDF and the lack of government action.
Gilon stated, “The last letter referred to an absurd situation where it can be understood that the IDF is in dire straits and it is appropriate to expand the scope – it’s not just pilots, it reaches all the forces, and the cabinet doesn’t even convene.” He emphasized the responsibility of both the cabinet and the prime minister, and criticized the lack of support for the Chief of Staff in reaching the necessary bodies to report to, which the Prime Minister does not allow.
He also defended the Chief of Staff against recent criticism, stating, “Those who bear responsibility, including those who slander the Chief of Staff, knew what they were facing.” Gilon highlighted the importance of confidentiality in discussions and referred to an example of a debate between security chiefs in 2010, which only became public knowledge much later.
Gilon further criticized Netanyahu’s performance, stating, “To say of the Prime Minister that he does not understand is an insult to the word understanding – he understands perfectly. He sits on the hills and watches as the State of Israel descends into destruction.” He questioned the motives behind Netanyahu’s actions and suggested that he is trying to enter the history books by destroying the State of Israel.
Addressing the recent protests against reforms, Gilon acknowledged the importance of the voice of the protestors and emphasized that the government needs to respect their concerns. However, he also expressed concern over the potential consequences of acting above the Prime Minister’s head and the loss of the chain of authority.
In conclusion, Gilon stressed the need for careful navigation during these challenging times and called for support for those standing up against the government’s actions. Edited by Shay Idler of 103fm, Gilon’s remarks shed light on the deep concerns within the security establishment regarding the state of the IDF and its relationship with political leaders.