Reflecting on the past year, we see a tale of two Israels – one caught off guard by Hamas and another that strikes back with unprecedented force against Hezbollah. The contrast is stark, with Israel’s response varying from slow and unprepared to swift and powerful.
Questions arise about how these two sides of Israel can coexist – the failures in Gaza juxtaposed with the success in Lebanon. The key lies in strategic focus and application of military capabilities, as seen in the recent precision strikes against Hezbollah.
As Israel enters a new year, the challenge is to unify its approach to border threats, learning from past mistakes and moving towards decisive action. Leaders must rise to redefine defense strategies and ensure victory and security for the nation.
With Rosh Hashanah marking a time for introspection and renewal, Israel stands at a critical juncture where bold decisions and strong leadership are essential for its future.
The writer, a senior fellow at JPPI and former editor-in-chief of The Jerusalem Post, emphasizes the need for transformative leadership in Israel’s current landscape.