The Iron Wall That Cracked: Restoring the State of Israel Must Start From Within
The October 7 massacre was the most severe failure in Israel's history, exposing a deep crisis in its security concept. Israel needs a change of direction based on accountability, national unity, and strengthening state foundations.
The October 7 massacre was the most severe security, intelligence, and political failure in the history of the State of Israel. Almost three years after that difficult day, the citizens of Israel are still waiting for full answers and a true national soul-searching, while the government refuses to establish a state commission of inquiry that would examine the responsibility of all echelons.
It is important to understand: October 7 is not just a localized failure. It exposed a deeper crisis, a crack in the security concept upon which the State of Israel has relied for decades. This concept is based not only on a strong army, but also on a cohesive society, a stable economy, functioning state institutions, and leadership that puts the good of the citizens at the top of the priority list.
Ze'ev Jabotinsky coined the idea of the "Iron Wall" as the basis for the national security concept. Not just military force that will deter our enemies, but a strong, stable, and secure state that gives its citizens a sense of security and faith in the future. Today it is clear that the policy of containment and buying quiet in the short term, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, created the cracks in the Iron Wall — until its collapse on October 7. Precisely a prime minister who grew up on the teachings of Jabotinsky was the one who, despite all the speeches and declarations, acted exactly the opposite of the principles of the Right.
The big question now facing the State of Israel is not only how to deal with external threats, but how to restore the foundations of power from within. Israel needs a change of direction: no more endless crisis management, no more prioritizing narrow political considerations over the national interest, but a return to a security concept of decisiveness and fortifying national resilience by uniting Israeli society around the cornerstones of the Zionist idea.
The next government, led by Avigdor Lieberman, will be required to deal with five main challenges:
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Truth and responsibility — a strong state is not afraid to examine itself. A state commission of inquiry must be established that will examine without fear all the decision-making centers and the responsibility of all echelons that led to the greatest failure in the country's history. Only true learning and thorough lesson-drawing will ensure that such an event does not recur.
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Strengthening the IDF and equality in the burden — the people's army cannot rely on only part of the society. It is necessary to thicken the reserve system, restore the status of those who serve, and return the understanding that Israel's security is the shared responsibility of all its citizens.
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An economy that serves the public — the State of Israel must fight the cost of living, strengthen the middle class, reduce the waste of public funds, and manage a responsible budget. State funds should be used first and foremost for the citizens of the country. Only the principles of a free economy will promote Israel's economy. Here too, just like in security, one must return to a policy of true economic Right.
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A constitution for Israel — to restore public trust in state institutions and ensure that every citizen is equal before the law, a constitution for Israel must be built. A constitution will fortify the separation of powers and allow for a real judicial reform instead of the regime coup that they tried to lead here. It is time to define clear rules of the game that are not subject to legislative changes like plasticine according to the will of every government, alongside strengthening the status of the Knesset and the individual freedom of the citizen.
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A government that cares for the state instead of a state that is enslaved to the coalition — the government must focus on the challenges on the agenda: personal security, caring for the evacuees, strengthening the health and welfare system, improving transportation, fighting road accidents, and protecting the information and privacy of Israel's citizens — and not on political fund transfers.
Israel's Iron Wall was not built only through weapons, planes, and technology. It was built through a strong society, a strong army, a strong economy, and leadership that understands that its first goal is to serve the citizens. The challenge for the State of Israel in the coming years will be not only to defeat its enemies, but also to restore the trust of its citizens. This is the condition for building the Iron Wall anew — stronger, more stable, and more united.
