June 25, 2020
H.E. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Prime Minister’s Office Jerusalem
Re: Tell the people the truth about unilateral annexation
Dear Mr. Prime Minister,
On May 15, 1948, the Israeli leadership declared the independence of the sovereign State of Israel. Seventy-two years later, the American “stamp of approval” has become the determining factor in our national decision-making process. Israeli envoys travel to the United States to plead with American officials and letters are sent to Washington, all in the hope of obtaining guidance from the White House.
Unilateral annexation will have far-reaching and potentially dangerous implications for the future of Israel’s Jewish and democratic character, national security, and economy (especially as we weather the COVID-19 pandemic). Moreover, in light of the deep disagreements and broad and fierce objections regarding this move, the country’s national cohesion will be severely impacted as well.
Our government has every right to pursue its world-view. Yet, when such a significant move is contemplated, a decision must not be made before looking the people in the eye, spelling out the range of risks involved together with their associated costs, and conveying the government’s plans to address them.
It is the citizens of Israel who must make the decision, not the President of the United States.
en.cis.org.il Commanders for Israel's Security
It is not too late to stop, to re-examine the decision-making process, and to undertake a comprehensive assessment of security, economic, diplomatic, and other risks; to assess the effect of the COVID-19 crisis on the nation’s ability to mitigate the risks of annexation, and to re-evaluate the justification for pursuing such a risky move, one that contributes nothing to our security.
Annexation is not imposed on us by outside forces. It is an Israeli initiative. A decision of this magnitude, which you define as “historic,” requires full transparency. It requires looking the people in the eye and telling them the full and unvarnished truth.
On behalf of the 300 members of Commanders for Israel’s Security, all retired IDF generals and equivalent heads of the other security agencies, I call upon you to ensure that a decision about the future of Israel and its security is made in Jerusalem.
Present the unilateral annexation plan and its consequences to those who will pay the price, as only Israelis and their elected representatives should be able to decide our future.
Annexation – in the context of a future territorial exchange, as part of a long-term strategy to separate from the Palestinians, while securing Israel’s solid Jewish majority and democratic character – is a correct move. A careless unilateral annexation, however, will prove to be a self-inflicted wound to our national security.
Before taking such a drastic decision, ask the people of Israel, not the President of the United States.
Respectfully,
Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Matan Vilnai Chair Commanders for Israel’s Security
en.cis.org.il Commanders for Israel's Security