Brig. Gen. (res.) Oren Solomon warned on Thursday against the possibility of a preemptive Iranian military strike against Israel ahead of the upcoming Knesset elections, stressing that the IDF must prepare for such a contingency in both defensive and offensive postures. Solomon made the remarks during an interview on Channel 14.
2+Addressing soaring regional tensions with Tehran, Solomon explained that alongside political and economic dynamics in the United States, an intense process of operational readiness and lesson-learning is actively unfolding on both sides. “We must definitely prepare—and I believe it is vital that the IDF is doing so—for a potential strike, including a preemptive strike by the Iranians,” he warned.
Solomon also responded to persistent allegations that political considerations intruded into defense decisions. Drawing on his past tenure in the Prime Minister’s Office, he noted that while he observed high-level national security decision-making firsthand, he never saw political motivations dictating security choices. “I did not once see a decision contaminated by personal, political, or unilateral considerations. I consistently witnessed strictly professional assessments,” he stated.
2+Turning to ongoing counter-terrorism operations across the Gaza Strip, Solomon sounded an alarm regarding subterranean warfare, warning that the Hamas terrorist organization is actively working to rehabilitate its underground network. “Hamas is still digging. I hope I am not surprising anyone—they are still digging tunnels, rebuilding tunnels, including defensive networks and offensive branches,” he said, underlining the necessity of persistent sweeps to locate and neutralize subterranean threats.
Reacting to former IDF Chief Gadi Eisenkot’s campaign pledge to bring down Hamas rule within 18 months, Solomon pushed back against high-profile declarations that lack tangible operational mechanics. “We have all had our fill of statements, from all sides,” he said, demanding that political figures detail exactly how they plan to demilitarize Hamas and what operational course will be taken if the group resists.
2+Concluding the interview, Solomon addressed reports that Prime Minister Netanyahu’s Chief of Staff, Ido Norden, is actively working to convene an urgent Knesset debate regarding the classified war investigations compiled by Solomon. Solomon confirmed that discussions are underway with the Prime Minister’s Office and defense officials, reiterating his call to release the findings to the Israeli public.
Solomon said his investigations point directly to the operational culpability of senior IDF commanders in the failures of October 7. He argued that exposing these findings is essential to understanding systemic lapses and rebuilding public confidence in the defense establishment, calling on the Prime Minister to approve their public disclosure despite potential pre-election political fallout.