Title: Former IDF Officer Warns of Crisis in Fitness and Competence as Tensions Rise
Subtitle: Concerns raised about the army’s efforts to counter non-volunteering among reservists and the potential consequences of deteriorating competence levels
In a recent interview on 103FM, Colonel (Res.) Yisrael Ziv, the former head of the Operations Division, discussed the pressing issue of fitness and competence within the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) amidst growing social tensions. Ziv also highlighted the impact of the cessation of reporting to the reserves and controversial statements made by members of the coalition who have vowed to defy High Court rulings.
During a confidential discussion at the Knesset, senior IDF officials presented the current state of competence, emphasizing the accelerated decline in the military’s effectiveness, which is compounded by the volatility of the situation. Ziv stated, “The damages caused by declining competence are already evident. The real concern lies in preserving the identity and integrity of the IDF as an organization, especially when faced with a crisis surrounding recruitment.”
Ziv expressed his apprehension regarding the impending Torah study law or recruitment issues that may arise in the coming winter session. He warned that the passing of these laws could further exacerbate the crisis, causing irreparable damage to the IDF. “We are disbanding the People’s Army with our own hands, and this is not a slogan, this is exactly what is going to happen,” Ziv cautioned.
Highlighting the urgency of the situation, Ziv urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to intervene and shelve the legislation. He believed that by taking swift action, Netanyahu could prevent further deterioration within the IDF. However, Ziv acknowledged the complexities within the government, asserting that personal interests and individual agendas hinder the coalition’s ability to address the crisis effectively.
Switching gears to the practical dimension of incompetence and the potential consequences in the event of a war with Hezbollah, Ziv clarified that there is currently no direct threat of occupation or destruction of the State of Israel from any neighboring army. However, he stressed the significance of the rocket and missile capabilities possessed by such adversaries, particularly Hezbollah.
Ziv emphasized the importance of promptly neutralizing these threats to minimize damage and loss of life. He warned that if the IDF fails to swiftly address missile and rocket attacks, the destruction and loss of life would increase significantly. Additionally, Ziv drew attention to the adverse effects on the effectiveness of IDF pilots and military command centers, which heavily rely on technology.
The former IDF officer concluded by stating that the deteriorating competence levels and the potential breakdown of control systems would lead to a higher death toll and massive destruction, thus impacting every citizen’s life in Israel.
It is imperative that the government takes immediate action to address the growing crisis of competence within the IDF. Failure to do so may have severe implications for national security and the safety of Israeli citizens.