State Comptroller Englman on the Absence of a National Security Concept: "A Multi-Year Failure"

11.11.25
  • The absence of a national security concept and the ramifications to fundamental processes at both the political level and within the Israel Defense Forces


The State Comptroller and Ombudsman, Matanyahu Englman, is releasing the seventh publication of audit reports concerning the failures associated with the events of October 7 and the Swords of Iron War. This publication encompasses a report focusing on the absence of a national security concept and its impact on significant political processes as well as on the IDF.

In order to enhance the protection of its citizens, Israel must establish a formal national security concept, akin to those embraced by other Western nations such as the United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Japan. 

Such a concept would assist the political echelon in defining strategic objectives and national priorities, improve coordination among security agencies, and function as a framework for the structuring and operational conducting of the force by the IDF and other security entities.

Six Attempts – Not Yielding Any Results

The State Comptroller’s report reveals that over the years, there have been no fewer than six attempts to formulate and ratify a national security concept; however, no such concept has ever received approval from the State Security Cabinet or the government. 

"The report reveals a long-standing failure in which the political echelon has not fulfilled its obligation to ensure that the State of Israel is adequately prepared for evolving security challenges based on a routinely updated and officially sanctioned national security concept", stated State Comptroller Englman. "In such circumstances, the political echelon's ability to direct the IDF and other security agencies with a long-term strategic vision, to challenge it, and to exercise control and supervision over it, is markedly deficient, if not entirely lacking."

Absence of a Binding Resolution

The State Comptroller identified that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who initiated the drafting of a national security concept for the State of Israel during the years 2017-2018 and actively sought its implementation, did not complete this undertaking and failed to secure the approval of an official national security concept for the State of Israel. Moreover, he did not facilitate the adoption of a binding resolution which would have been fundamental to the concept’s realization: a reassessment of national priorities and the allocation of significant budgetary increases to security requirements at the expense of other needs. This occurred despite the significance and necessity that Prime Minister Netanyahu himself acknowledged. "In this regard, he did not fulfill his responsibilities, resulting in his concept remaining unimplemented and lacking binding validity", the State Comptroller remarked.

The audit further revealed that even those who served as heads of the National Security Council since 2008, the year the National Security Council Law was enacted, did not submit an updated security concept for consideration and decision by the State Security Cabinet. "Consequently, the National Security Council did not execute its role in this context", the State Comptroller emphasized.

The State Comptroller clarified that the current report is not a substitute for a comprehensive audit aimed at identifying deficiencies or holding accountable any bodies or officials involved in the events of October 7. He noted that the intent of the report is to highlight issues regarding the relationship between the national security concept and the events of October 7.

Auditing of All Echelons

In the aftermath of the October 7 massacre, the State Comptroller commenced a series of tours across communities surrounding Gaza, as well as in the southern and northern regions of the country. During these tours, the State Comptroller engaged with evacuees residing in hotels situated in Eilat, the Dead Sea, Jerusalem, and other central and northern areas.

On January 7, 2024, the State Comptroller announced the initiation of an audit concerning roughly 60 pertinent issues, which are currently under examination by approximately 200 audit managers within the Office of the State Comptroller. The State Comptroller underscored three pivotal milestones for this audit:

  • The audit will maintain a critical perspective towards all echelons – political, military, and civilian.
  • In both core audits and audits on additional topics, personal accountability will be imposed on individuals responsible for any failures.
  • Once a state investigation committee is established – the State Comptroller will collaboratively outline the parameters of its jurisdiction.

The original intention was to publish reports addressing the fundamental failures that enabled the October 7 massacre within a few months. However, an interim order –lifted only a few weeks ago following agreements reached between the Office of the State Comptroller, the IDF, and the ISA – resulted in a delay of approximately 15 months in the audits concerning these critical issues. It is worth noting that the Office of the State Comptroller is presently engaged in the audit process of these core issues.

In light of the prevailing circumstances, State Comptroller Englman has determined that, given the significant importance of the reports on civilian matters, these reports will be published upon their completion. This publication represents, as stated, the eighth in the series of Swords of Iron reports.

Undoubtedly, the public is entitled to receive responses to critical inquiries regarding the most severe failure in the history of the state. The State Comptroller will remain resolute in ensuring that answers to these failures are provided, and that they will be released upon the completion of the audit process.

 

The Swords of Iron reports that have been published until now:

  1. Mental Health Treatment Following the Events of October 7 and the Swords of Iron War (11.2.2025)
  2. The Operation of Resilience Centers in the Confrontation Line Localities since the Outbreak of the Swords of Iron War (11.2.2025)
  3. The Regulation of the Community Emergency Response Teams Before the Swords of Iron War and their Operation since the Beginning of the War (11.2.2025)
  4. The Provision of Aid to the Victims of Hostile Activity since the Events of October 7 (11.2.2025)
  5. The Rehabilitation Processes of the Western Negev Settlements  (24.2.2025)
  6. Governm​ent Response to the Needs of Northern Communities During the Swords of Iron War: Civil-Economic Front (10.6.2025)
  7. Economic Assistance to Small Businesses in the Initial Months of the Swords of Iron War​ (10.6.2025)
  8. the government handling of the civilian sphere during the Swords of Iron War (3.9.2025)
  9. The City of Elat's Tourism Promotion and Economic Development in Light of the Swords of Iron War (16.9.2025)
  10. The Agricultural Sector during the Swords of Iron War (16.9.2025)
  11. Operation Iron Swords – Economic and Budgetary Aspects (4.11.2025)