It is important to highlight and commend the positions of many Jews in Israel and abroad regarding numerous humanitarian and vital issues, including the Palestinian issue. We find only a few on our side who wish, or dare, to express similar sentiments. This has particularly distinguished European Jews throughout modern history, at least. They have had their humanitarian stances and achievements, which cannot be fully detailed here, along with the stories and positions of dozens who have undertaken roles and actions almost no one else in our world has, through documenting the issue, writing books and studies about it, and paying dearly for their stances, not least being forced to leave their "homeland" in fleeing from harassment and threats of death.
CNN host Christiane Amanpour conducted an interview with Ami Ayalon, a former head of the Israeli Security Agency (Shin Bet), during which she addressed the incident of Israeli soldiers using a Palestinian wounded man as a human shield and others taking shameful selfies. Ayalon responded that this is indeed a terrible matter, acknowledging that the Israeli army and politicians are losing their morals and humanity, in addition to losing their identity as individuals, Jews, and humans.
Amanpour was shocked by Ayalon’s response and asked him if he ever thought he would say such things as the former head of Israel's security service, to which he honestly and spontaneously replied, "Yes." She followed up by asking if he ever thought he would reach this stage, and he affirmed that he had previously warned the leadership about the decline in moral factors within the Israeli army and its code of conduct, indicating that when soldiers go to war, they go to kill others, not to negotiate! However, this contradicts religious commandments that state, "You shall not kill." Ignoring these matters has created a sense among soldiers that killing is a natural act, which is dangerous in any war. He pointed out that we have seen this throughout history, for example, what the Americans did in Iraq and Afghanistan, and what Israel has repeatedly done. He believes that his people must understand that every war must come to an end; otherwise, the Israeli Jew will lose his identity as a human and as a democrat.
Ayalon stated that Israel's security must be based on two things: maintaining an immense military power and understanding the need for Israel to engage in diplomacy in two languages to enjoy security; otherwise, everyone will lose their identity. He expected more Israeli military generals to object to the leadership's decisions, supporting the description by the Israeli army chief regarding the war situation with "Hamas," suggesting it resembles throwing sand in the eyes of Israelis in an attempt to convince them that "Hamas" can be defeated.
He added that Israelis urgently need to know about the next-day plan, emphasizing that the continued absence of a plan for Israel to follow is very dangerous. He likened Netanyahu's situation to someone possessing leadership charisma but leading his people in the wrong direction. Sending soldiers to the front without a political objective, while fighting continues, means war becomes the objective, rather than a means to a specific end.
Ayalon further stressed that Israeli leadership needs to change its self-perception and its view of the Middle East. A northern war is inevitable, as it is the only solution available to Netanyahu, who believes solely in force. He remarked that Israel will find itself embroiled in multiple wars in the future, as the leadership does not wish to learn from the lessons of October 7, the most horrific moment in modern Israeli history. "Hamas" has made its opinion known to Israelis, stating that there can be no peace without ending the occupation.
In another context, former Shin Bet intelligence officer, Jonin Ben Isaac, who has become a major opponent of Netanyahu, claimed that the Prime Minister is "destroying" his country, and that the government thought Hamas was foolish, but it has now become clear that Hamas is smarter than them.
