Former Israeli National Security Council head Eiland criticizes government’s diplomatic approach
In Israel, former National Security Council head, retired Major General Giora Eiland, said that the government’s diplomatic approach harms the country’s vital interests. In an interview with 103FM radio, he said that the Israeli authorities face a difficult international situation because, in his assessment, world leaders do not trust the government and its actions alienate other states.
As The Jerusalem Post reports, Eiland linked diplomatic difficulties, including in relations with the United States, to statements by government members and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s silence regarding those remarks. According to him, international leaders hear statements by ministers Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir and may perceive the absence of a public response from the head of government as reflecting Israel’s official policy.
A call for dialogue
The former official described the confrontational style in relations with the international community as unreasonable, immature and dangerous. In his view, Israel should focus on dialogue and explaining its own arguments rather than seeking to prove that other sides are wrong. Eiland also supported former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett’s position on the need to listen and conduct a different dialogue.
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Security priorities and international reputation
Eiland believes that the government should distinguish between issues on which compromise is impossible and topics where it would not contradict the country’s interests. He cited the Gaza Strip and the West Bank as examples. In his view, Israel must firmly defend its key security interests in Gaza while also paying attention to issues in the West Bank that damage the state’s international reputation.
In particular, he criticized illegal actions by Jewish extremist settlers against Palestinians. Eiland noted that foreign journalists document such cases, and abroad this may be perceived as tacit acquiescence by the Israeli authorities.
Open explanation of the position
According to Eiland, Israel remains capable of influencing international opinion on disputed issues if it clearly presents its arguments and demonstrates willingness to engage. He emphasized that persuasion can be achieved through honest explanations based on security considerations, rather than through slogans or harsh attacks in the media. In his view, the international community expects frank communication, truthful arguments and a willingness to acknowledge mistakes from Israel.
