Jerusalem Daily: Panicked Palestinians flee Israeli attacks on Gaza

US Lt.-Gen. Sean M. Salene has criticized the Israeli government led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for stalling security plans that would bolster the Palestinian Authority in Gaza, particularly the training of a new Palestinian police force. During a speech at the Reichman University Institute for Counter-Terrorism, Salene emphasized that counterterrorism is a multifaceted approach that encompasses ideology, education, and societal conditions, not just military force. He noted that only 16 US military officers specialize in addressing the West Bank issue.

In contrast to Salene's perspective, which has support from many counter-terror academics and some within the Israeli defense establishment, Netanyahu has prioritized military actions to combat Hamas. US officials have accused Netanyahu of delaying postwar Gaza security and governance plans, including those outlined in the Trump administration's October 2025 ceasefire plan.

Salene also criticized Israeli society for adopting an overly risk-averse approach to counterterrorism, stating that the IDF and other security professionals now view threats primarily in terms of capability, rather than capability plus intent. He warned that this mindset, influenced by policy guidance and societal pressures, hinders effective counterterrorism efforts.

Furthermore, Salene emphasized that the threat posed by Hamas extends far beyond Gaza and the West Bank, encompassing Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon, as well as having financial backers in the United States and Europe. He urged Israeli political and defense officials to adopt a broader understanding of Hamas as a global movement, which cannot be addressed solely through military force in Gaza and the West Bank.

Salene praised IDF Central Commander Maj.-Gen. Avi Bluth for his principled leadership, despite the challenging environment in Israeli society. He highlighted the importance of security coordination between Israel and the Palestinian Authority (PA), stating that it involves respecting existing arrangements and stepping in when necessary to prevent escalation. Salene also underscored the broader implications of destabilization, noting that it could affect the stability of Jordan, a key US Central Command concern.