"The Old Ways Are Still Fighting Us": A Veteran Commander Speaks Out

In the past year, Israel has faced one of its longest and most challenging conflicts in history, claiming many lives both on the battlefield and among civilians. Currently, 101 individuals remain captive by Hamas in Gaza, with no resolution in sight.

Colonel Hazi Nechama, a founder of the "Commanders and Reservists Forum," believes the war won't end unless the IDF changes its tactics. "We've been bogged down in Gaza for a year and two months," he says with frustration at the start of our interview, "and if the IDF continues its current method, we'll be stuck here for many more years."

I want to start with a direct question: Why was your reserve duty paused?

"I wasn't dismissed," he clarifies. "My service was paused because certain military figures were uncomfortable with the public criticism I directed at them. You should ask them why they paused my service—that's for them to answer."

What's the main criticism you have against the IDF and Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi?

"We've been arguing for months that the IDF's manner of fighting in Gaza won't lead to Hamas' defeat. We advocate for the Generals' Plan, as opposed to the problematic raiding method the Chief of Staff endorses. Raiding alone doesn't win wars; instead, we propose eliminating the threat comprehensively to resolve the Hamas issue once and for all."

"Raiding supports the main effort but can't replace it," Nechama emphasizes. "To decisively overcome an enemy requires, first and foremost, occupying territory and cleansing it of opposition. We did this in the war's first month and have avoided it since. We advocate returning to the classic tactics of warfare: territory control and urban cleansing."

When you mention "classic warfare tactics," can you identify when this approach changed within the IDF, and why?

"Since the '90s, a new doctrine took hold, theorized by Shimon Peres in his book 'The New Middle East.' It was supposedly based on updated security policies emphasizing political agreements, economic implications, and minimizing troop casualties. Consequently, alternative combat strategies overtook decisive victory."

"No Real Change Yet Seen"

Peres's vision set the stage for the philosophical shift in the IDF, continued by Chief of Staff Ehud Barak with the concept of a 'small and smart army.' Successive leaders closed divisions and shifted power from ground forces to the Air Force and Intelligence Corps, thinking this would deter enemies without field soldiers. Unfortunately, this hasn't resulted in any major victories in the past thirty years except a minor achievement in Operation Defensive Shield."

You're suggesting the IDF has been fighting the wrong way for thirty years and nobody spoke up.

"That's not true," he protests. "Throughout, there have been many voices, both inside and outside the system. Former Chief of Staff Dan Shomron's report post-Second Lebanon War laid out the failures, yet the IDF avoided implementing necessary changes."

Did you try discussing your plan with the Chief of Staff?

"Two months after the war started, I felt compelled to meet him," Nechama shares. "We requested a meeting, which we got. About twenty officers sat with him and voiced harsh critiques. He listened, but it seemed no changes followed.

"A month and a half later, as conditions worsened, we sought another meeting but were repeatedly canceled. After four such occurrences, we realized another session wasn't happening, forcing us to go public."

Why is that? Does he simply not want to hear it?

"Yes," Nechama insists. "When caught in a specific mindset, challenges aren't welcome, especially from serious and knowledgeable individuals. Our forum includes numerous majors and colonels, professors and doctors, all confidently asserting that, under the IDF's current methods, achieving an absolute victory is impossible."

So the old approach hasn't died out.

"Absolutely not."

"Victory Is Far Away"

Colonel Nechama (48) boasts a long military career, having held various security roles, including commanding the Givati Recon Unit during the Second Intifada. "We led significant operations in Gaza," he recalls. "We made arrests and neutralized threats, albeit at the cost of casualties."

Recalled for reserve duty as chief of staff for Division 261 during Operation Guardians of the Walls, Nechama closely observed what he viewed as flawed strategies, offering alternatives and proposing reforms. After encountering resistance, he and others formed the "Commanders and Reservists Forum," publicizing their "Generals' Plan" to change military strategies.

Some say critiquing in wartime is like firing from inside the tank.

"That's why we kept it quiet internally for months. But when the Chief of Staff refused to meet with twenty colonels for over two and a half months, it spoke volumes. We had no choice but to go outside."

Now that you've publicly criticized, do you think things will change?<\strong>

"I think we're beginning to see some changes in IDF operations. However, it’s not enough, and some alternatives still aren't being implemented."

Are there specific war moments where you think the conduct was wrong?

"Yes. First, the 'raiding principle' was flawed. Not evacuating the population from northern Gaza was a mistake. Entering Rafah late in the conflict was a mistake. Combined, these actions have kept us stuck for over a year."

"Our People Have Awakened"

A few months ago, the "Commanders and Reservists Forum" launched the Generals' Plan. "We teamed with General Giora Eiland and devised a strategy," Nechama explains. "With northern Gaza surrounded and population evacuated, we could turn that area into a controlled zone, a significant step towards Hamas' surrender, potentially helping hostage negotiations."

Switching to the northern front: your thoughts on the ceasefire with Lebanon?

"It's complex. Without a security zone, we can't ensure the northern residents' safety. A temporary ceasefire might work, but a lasting one without a comprehensive settlement would be a lasting regret."

In closing, an optimistic message for readers?

"Though October 7th was a tragedy, it awoke our nation to our enemies. Israelis united, some in combat, others in study, together we overcame adversity. I hope we'll carry this unity beyond attack situations, making it a constant part of who we are."