Hand Over the State’s Keys – And Leave!

And then it happened. The disaster we had feared, in one form or another, struck from the north. Many children and teenagers lost their lives, and dozens more were injured. This time, the tragic event occurred in the heart of Majdal Shams, in the Golan Heights.

Like us, they knew, yet there is no strategy, no decisions, and complete chaos. The people of Israel have no effective government. Minor players offer explanations but take no meaningful action—plenty of speeches, but no actual deeds.

Last week, even before the terrible disaster in Majdal Shams, I was invited to an emergency conference in the north. The attendees included economic leaders, generals, senior officers, Shin Bet and Mossad personnel, and former officials like me. All good people gathered to find ways to help a country slipping away from us.

For 20 years, I was part of the Golan settlement and developed a deep love and connection to the area and its surroundings. I served in state roles and was very active locally. Weekly visits to Kiryat Shmona and the Galilee Panhandle instilled in me enormous respect for the dedicated and hardworking people—farmers and laborers—who maintain this beautiful yet often challenging region.

I left early for the conference to revisit a place filled with cherished memories, only to find a bruised and broken region. The once-flourishing settlements are now abandoned or depopulated, with soot stains scarring the land. Kiryat Shmona lies abandoned and destroyed, weeds overtaking yards, and debris littering every corner. The deafening silence is broken only by the thunder of bombardments and interceptors, turning the scene into something out of a horror movie.

It’s hard to believe that these terrible sights are now accompanied by fresh blood stains on a soccer field, the burial of teenagers and children, and families visiting hospitals. I cried for us, then and today, for the lovers of the land who have been abandoned by their failed government.

The tasteless chatter among political and security leaders is as painful as the thunder of bombardments. There is no more room for talk and no more time to waste. Those responsible in the government, military, and security system must step down immediately.

Meanwhile, time drags on. The establishment of a state commission of inquiry, which should happen sooner rather than later, is delayed. We are fed daily stories about various drafts emerging from the investigative committee within the army and defense system, and the State Comptroller is supposedly investigating. In reality, we are losing the South and, even more so, the North.

The citizens of the state are buckling under the burden. Families of hostages are left breathless. Reserve soldiers, serving hundreds of days under war orders, are watching their families fall apart behind them. The disaster continues to unfold.

There is no entity taking responsibility for the price we pay every day. The political system acts as if nothing has happened. The head of the National Security Council, Hanegbi, described the disaster of October 7th as “a malfunction.” A malfunction?! It was a catastrophic failure, a breakdown where everyone failed in their duties, resulting in the irreversible loss of about 1,600 good people and a national disaster that intensifies with each passing day.

A disaster that weighs heavily on the shoulders of the elderly, women, men, children, and hundreds of IDF soldiers. Recently, many families from Majdal Shams have joined them, burying their children while others pray for their recovery. The heartbreak extends to 115 hostages, who face constant threats in Hamas captivity, living under its shadow for 300 days and nights. How much longer? It’s inconceivable.

On the military front, no steps have been taken to demonstrate responsibility. Everyone remains in their positions, as if nothing happened. And the other security services? The same story—no one has moved, and nothing has changed.

Look at what happened in America. A security failure at Trump’s speech in Pennsylvania resulted in a bullet whizzing past his ear, leaving one dead and three wounded. The response was swift: the head of the Secret Service immediately took responsibility and announced corrections to security measures and protocols. In just a few days, accountability was established. Here, nearly ten months have passed, and only a tiny fraction have taken responsibility.

The uncompromising demand for full accountability in the U.S. didn’t stop there. The Services Committee urgently summoned the head of the Secret Service for a hearing, where she faced harsh questions and statements. With integrity and responsibility, she placed her resignation on the table. After decades of successful service, she acted swiftly and necessarily, stepping down and going home.

There’s no need to wait for the commission of inquiry. The formula is clear. Approximately 150 officials in the government, army, and Shin Bet are responsible for the October 7th failure. All of them, without exception, must vacate their positions immediately.