Title: Tensions Rise Between Political and Military Echelons Amidst Legal Reform Crisis
Subtitle: Trust between military and government officials in jeopardy as protests against legal reform escalate
Date: [Insert Date]
Byline: [Author Name]
In a recent development, the storm of reform in tension law was not fully disclosed to the public, leading to a devastating crisis of trust between the military and political echelons. While the law clearly states that “the army is subordinate to the government,” the actual relationship between subordination and independence remains ambiguous.
Expressions of protest against the government’s legal reform have been circulating, with many reserve officers, particularly from the Air Force and the Amman, voicing their discontent. Some officers have even threatened to cancel or suspend their volunteering for reserve service. This unprecedented phenomenon and its potential impact on the operational effectiveness of the IDF have unveiled significant tensions between the senior political and military echelons.
The detailed manifestations of these tensions are not fully disclosed to the public, but they appear to be severe and, in some cases, even pose a threat to senior officers in the IDF. Such a challenging and delicate situation necessitates a comprehensive examination of the proper institutionalization of the interface between the political and military levels.
The fundamental question of how the interface between the political and military echelons should be conducted remains unanswered beyond what is stated in the Basic Law of the Army. The law does not provide clarity on the subordination, the relationship between politicians and senior military officers, or the role of the prime minister in this web of relationships. Given the acute tensions amid the ongoing political and social crisis, it is crucial to thoroughly address this critical issue, from values and principles to operational procedures and conduct rules.
The examination of appropriate conduct should encompass both the senior army commanders and the political echelon. IDF commanders must adhere to the values and principles outlined in the “Spirit of the IDF” document, which includes defending the state, its citizens, and residents, as well as maintaining professionalism and personal example. It is expected that the Chief of Staff would express clear and detailed professional opinions based on substantive judgment and staff work in their dialogue with the political echelon. Such conduct serves the best interests of the nation and enables informed decision-making.
The heads of security organizations, such as the Shin Bet and the Mossad, also have similar responsibilities to maintain security and uphold the values of their organizations. However, the starting point for examining the proper conduct of the political echelon is entirely different. Unlike the military, members of the government in Israel do not have a code of ethics, despite unsuccessful attempts to establish one in the past. This lack of ethical guidance has led to statements from ministers that do not align with the values of “statehood,” “responsibility,” and “professionalism.”
Recent tensions around the competence of the army have been exacerbated by explicit exchanges between ministers, members of the Knesset, and members of the General Staff. These exchanges often disregard the professional conduct and statements of the officers. To address these trust issues, Israel can learn from the United Kingdom’s code of conduct for those holding public office, known as the “Nolan rules.” These rules emphasize selflessness, objectivity, and baseline integrity in decision-making and interactions between government officials and the military echelon.
To regain public trust, the political echelon must prioritize the common good over personal or sectoral interests. Political leaders should treat the military echelon as a respected professional source and judge their opinions on merit, without personal or sectoral bias. Disagreements on security issues should be discussed with respect and integrity, ensuring the reliability and professionalism of all those involved. The political level’s decision-making process must be objective and informed, allowing for the presentation and consideration of critical data by the military echelon.
In light of recent events, it becomes increasingly important for the government to establish a framework for ethical conduct and improved communication between political and military authorities. By doing so, Israel can ensure the effective functioning of its defense apparatus and preserve public trust in the institutions responsible for national security.