Retired IDF leader presses current commanders to confront government over Lebanon policy

Halutz also assessed the state of the opposition and criticized several of its leaders, noting that the most likely contestants to defeat Netanyahu would be Naftali Bennett or Gadi Eisenkot.

Lt.-Gen. (ret.) Dan Halutz, who served as IDF chief of staff during the Second Lebanon War in 2006, urged Israel's senior military leadership to challenge the political echelon in an interview with 103FM on Wednesday. He argued that the current approach in Lebanon has become unproductive.

Halutz explained that the core issues arise because troops were deployed into risky situations without clear goals. He noted that the soldiers perform bravely yet cannot achieve outcomes that were never properly set, leaving them exposed like targets.

He added that seizing Beaufort Ridge holds little value absent a broader plan. Netanyahu sought symbolic gestures, he claimed, by recalling a move from former prime minister Menachem Begin four decades earlier.

Halutz insisted that top IDF officers must inform their superiors that the present course has lasted too long and requires change, since pushback is unlikely from within Netanyahu's political allies.

He expressed disappointment in the prime minister's inner circle, where he once saw independent voices but now observes only compliance. When pressed on individuals, Halutz said no one there appears willing to voice honest views, highlighting a disconnect between thought and speech that affects the nation.

Still, he emphasized that the military cannot ignore lawful orders from elected leaders. The duty of senior commanders is to advise the government directly that existing paths are exhausted.

Halutz said, looking at Netanyahu's inner circle, he only saw weakness

Defeating Netanyahu will likely come down to Eisenkot or Bennett, Halutz said

Turning to the upcoming elections, Halutz reviewed opposition figures and faulted some for lacking impact. He predicted that Naftali Bennett or Gadi Eisenkot stand the best chance of challenging Netanyahu successfully.

He noted his personal preference leans toward Eisenkot while his analysis favors Bennett. Yair Lapid and Benny Gantz offer little, he said, suggesting Gantz step aside and observing that Lapid has already faded after aligning with Bennett.

Halutz offered unexpected praise for Arab parties, which he said are effectively consolidating their influence without internal leaks. They operate as a unified group and will likely grow stronger, he added, while Jewish parties remain divided and miss opportunities to build power.