I am not qualified to ask the next IDF Chief of Staff about a host of issues. I did not serve in the IDF and have no idea about the basics of battlefield strategy to conquer a city. But as someone who has watched the IDF extremely closely over the past 15+ months, here are a few pertinent questions that I do have for the next IDF Chief of Staff:
What will the IDF policy on donations look like under your tenure? Except for a select few “high ranking” units (and there is a story there as well) there is a major need for donations to ensure that every soldier in the field receives modernized defensive gear. Hundreds of millions on US dollars worth of gear have been contributed to your forces. Is this an acceptable status quo or will you be looking to change the situation?
Do you consider helmets and ceramic plates that are well-beyond the manufacturer’s warranty to be safe for combat? Is a helmet from 1986 safe for a soldier to use on the front lines?
There is a not insignificant number of ground soldiers that were killed/injured without ceramic plates on the side of their vests. Are you aware of this issue? Do you feel that it is important for every combat soldier to be offered ceramic plates for the side of their vests?
Will every combat machlaka (platoon) be offered a surveillance drone? Soldiers on the ground report that this is making a massive difference in life and death situations. What is your position on the matter?
Friends of the IDF is the “exclusive partner” of the IDF is America. Yoav Gallant even attended a fundraiser in Chicago on behalf of the organization several weeks prior to the 10/7 attack. Will high-ranking army officials continue to assist in fundraising? Will the partnership continue in its current form?
Will soldiers be able to bring their personal cell phones into the combat arena? There are several organizations that are tracking photos that soldiers have posted on various social media platforms. This phenomenon was known throughout the IDF. Will you allow this practice to continue?
The IDF has previously stated that fire-resistant uniforms are essential as they can make a difference between life and death for soldiers on the front lines. Does every combat soldier deserve a fire-resistant uniform?
These are just a few questions to start and are definitely easier than asking a candidate to outline a strategy against Iran. Or so we hope.
PS - any other questions to add? Message me and I will include them.