An Israeli writer warns of a catastrophe leading to Netanyahu's policies and calls for emergency steps

In an article published in the Israeli newspaper Maariv, Perry, the former editor-in-chief of the Associated Press in Europe, Africa and the Middle East, considered that Israel is facing an emergency situation after the Gaza war and the repercussions of the October 7 attack, warning that the continuation of current policies may lead to a deterioration in security, the economy and international relations.

Perry said that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's victory in the upcoming elections will lead, in his estimation, to a widespread "disaster," while the opposition, if it wins, will inherit a country suffering from shock, weak institutions, and escalating international isolation.

The writer called for the formation of an official investigation committee into the events of October 7, the cancellation of the judicial amendments approved by Netanyahu’s coalition, and the strengthening of the independence of the judiciary and oversight bodies.

Regarding Gaza, he called for accepting US President Donald Trump’s plan in full, including Israeli withdrawal if Hamas disarms, cooperation with an international stabilization force and a peace council, and support for the reconstruction of the Strip with Arab and international participation.

He also called for stopping settler violence against Palestinians, freezing the expansion of isolated settlements in the West Bank, and working to preserve the possibility of reaching a future political settlement, despite his saying that the establishment of a Palestinian state is not on the table in light of Hamas remaining armed and the absence of reform of the Palestinian Authority, as he put it.

Perry proposed reformulating Israel's regional strategy by seeking non-aggression agreements with Lebanon and Syria, coordinating with the United States and its allies in dealing with Iran, strengthening cooperation with Egypt and Jordan, and opening up to Saudi Arabia within a political framework that includes a horizon for a future Palestinian state.

Regarding internal affairs, he called for considering organized crime in Arab towns a national emergency, ensuring equality in funding and services for the Arab community, and linking school funding to teaching the basic curricula, including Haredi schools.

He also called for reforming the system of support and incentives for the Haredim, linking exemption from military or national service to more stringent controls, and establishing broad programs to integrate the Haredim and Arabs into education, work, and public service.

He stressed the need to shift economic priorities from settlements and political spending to investment in infrastructure, education, health, housing and transportation, especially in the Negev and Galilee, in addition to a legal amendment that prevents anyone facing serious corruption charges from forming a government.

The writer concluded his article by saying that Israel must dismantle the central governance model based on narrow interests, and establish a leadership capable of restoring internal confidence and connection to the democratic world, warning that failure to act may turn Israel into a poor, isolated, and socially torn country.