"The October 7 disaster could have been prevented": The IDF decision that came three years too late | Avi Ashkenazi

IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir warns of an organizational culture in the IDF that is not open to criticism, but the column argues the problem runs deeper. The writer notes that a decision by Majors General Nadav Lotan and Shlomi Binder, had it been made three and a half years ago, could have prevented the October 7 disaster or improved readiness for it. The column criticizes the arrogance, lack of humility, and absence of genuine investigation in the defense establishment.

IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir warns of commanders who do not question, but the column argues that the required change in the IDF is much deeper: a culture of humility, responsibility, criticism, genuine investigation, and listening to voices from below. The writer, Avi Ashkenazi, criticizes the flawed organizational culture in the IDF and security bodies, pointing to arrogance as the greatest sin. He claims that a decision by Majors General Nadav Lotan and Shlomi Binder, had it been made three and a half years ago, could have prevented the October 7 disaster or improved readiness for it. The column emphasizes the need for decision-making based on professionalism, not politics, and for genuine learning and investigation.

"The October 7 disaster could have been prevented": The IDF decision that came three years too late | Avi Ashkenazi