Israel must be ready for any threat, no matter how unthinkable it may seem - editorial

On October 7, Israel marked the third anniversary of the October 7 massacre, a tragic day that continues to haunt the nation. While the anniversary serves as a time for mourning and reflection, it is also crucial to consider whether the lessons from this catastrophe have been truly internalized. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) are now focusing their readiness on the potential capabilities of Israel's adversaries, rather than just their intentions.

IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Zamir emphasized the importance of learning from the past to strengthen the nation's defenses.

This approach should extend beyond the physical battlefield, as the next surprise may come from unexpected sources. Israel has been working to enhance its border security and reassess its intelligence strategies over the past three years. However, last week's near-disaster at Ben-Gurion Airport serves as a stark reminder that threats can emerge from any direction, including within a commercial aircraft.

Indian pilot Capt. Smit Machchhar's bravery and the passengers' courage were indeed commendable, but they should not distract from the fact that Israel came dangerously close to another catastrophe.

The incident highlights the importance of addressing security gaps, such as inadequate security vetting of pilots. It is crucial to question whether Israel's assumptions about civil aviation have kept pace with the evolving threats. While it may be challenging to predict every potential danger, the October 7 tragedy should have instilled a greater sense of vigilance and preparedness.

Israel cannot afford to treat dangerous possibilities as remote simply because they are difficult to imagine, as the unthinkable has already occurred once.