A Call to Heed the Conscience and Guard the Nation By Former Heads of Israel’s Defense Establishment
(Appia Institute is honored to publish this important appeal. The future of Israel is at stake, and so is the future of that strategic region at the crossroads of the world.)
Dr. Ely Karmon, from the Reichman University, and member of Israeli non-partisan group Coalition for Regional Security, has criticized the policy of the Netanyahu government, by stressing the fact that until October 2023, it has preferred to keep Hamas in power in Gaza, in order to weaken the Palestinian authority and permit a slow annexation of the West Bank. Although this policy has led to the catastrophe and massacre of 7/October, and in spite of the Trump’s administration attempt to stop this process, the radical elements in the government, Min. Of National Security Ben Gvir and second Min. Of Defense Smotrich, have continued its de facto implementation of this policy of slow annexation and supporting the rogue violent elements which attack the Palestinian civilians.
We, former heads of Israel’s defense, intelligence, and law enforcement systems—Chiefs of Staff of the IDF, Commissioners of Police, and Directors of the Shin Bet and Mossad— appeal urgently to:
● The Prime Minister and members of the government responsible for national policy;
● The Chief of Staff, entrusted with command of the armed forces and the protection of all populations under their authority;
● The Director of the Shin Bet, responsible for combating terrorism in all its forms;
● The Police Commissioner, charged with upholding law and order;
Out of a deep sense of responsibility for the future of the State of Israel, we are warning that:
The Jewish terrorism raging in Judea and Samaria, with the tolerance — or worse, the backing— of government authorities, constitute not only a profound moral failure, but a grave strategic threat to Israel’s security, especially in a time of war.
These acts of terrorism undermine the national effort in multiple ways:
● They endanger IDF soldiers and operational effectiveness during a multi-front war.
● They compel the diversion of critical forces from active fronts in Gaza and Lebanon to internal policing.
● They inflame Palestinian terror and advance Iranian strategic interests.
● They erode the moral foundations and values of Israeli society.
● They intensify international hostility and weaken Israel’s legitimacy.
A black flag now flies over government policy—signaling the erosion of state authority and the subordination of national security to political considerations.
This abhorrent reality demands immediate action:
1. Unequivocal Enforcement of the Law — Terrorism must be confronted as terrorism, without regard to identity, nationality, or ideology.
2. Depoliticization of Law Enforcement — The independence and integrity of Israel’s security and legal institutions must be fully restored.
3. Restoration of Preventive Tools — Including the responsible use of administrative detention approved by a Judge`s order where necessary to prevent imminent violence.
A small but dangerous extremist fringe, emboldened by irresponsible political backing and enabled by the silence of the national leadership, must not be allowed to endanger Israel’s security or erode the foundations of the Zionist project.
We call upon Israel’s leaders — and its citizens — to act now, before the black flag irrevocably stains the blue-and-white, our proud national colors.
Retired Directors of the Shin Bet: Adm. Ami Ayalon; Nadav Argaman; Carmi Gillon; Yoram Cohen.
Retired Police Commissioners: Shlomo Aharonishki; Roni Alsheikh; Yochanan Danino; Assaf Hefetz; Dudi Cohen; Rafi Peled; Moshe Karadi. Yaakov Shabtai
Retired Heads of Military Intelligence: Maj.-Gen. Amos Yadlin, Maj.-Gen. Amos Malka, Maj.-Gen. Aharon Zeevi-Farkash, Maj.-Gen. Uri Sagie.
Retired Directors of the Mossad: Efraim Halevy, Maj.-Gen. Danny Yatom, Tamir Pardo.
Retired IDF Chiefs of Staff: Lt.-Gen. Ehud Barak, Lt.-Gen. Dany Halutz, Lt.-Gen. Moshe (Bogie) Ya’alon.
This is a ghood and necessary call.