Story perspectives

Former General Warns of Israel's Military Deterioration Pre-Attack

12/26/2025

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Summary

Story summary

In an interview with The Times of Israel, Brigadier-General (res.) Eran Ortal warned months before the October 7 Hamas invasion that Israel's military situation was deteriorating.
Ortal critiques the IDF's shift from decisive victories to deterrence against Hamas and Hezbollah.
He says IDF reforms were insufficient before the attack, leaving an inadequately trained army.
Ortal advocates AI, drones, and decisive-victory planning, moving away from airpower and mass ground maneuvers.

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Story summary

In an interview with The Times of Israel, Brigadier-General (res.) Eran Ortal warned months before the October 7 Hamas invasion that Israel's military situation was deteriorating.
Ortal critiques the IDF's shift from decisive victories to deterrence against Hamas and Hezbollah.
He says IDF reforms were insufficient before the attack, leaving an inadequately trained army.
Ortal advocates AI, drones, and decisive-victory planning, moving away from airpower and mass ground maneuvers.