According to Jerusalem Post, a reported CIA assessment has raised fresh concerns about the stability of Israel, warning that deepening political and social divisions could push the country toward “civil war” or even “total collapse.”
The classified report, titled “Fracture From Within,” was reportedly prepared in August by the CIA’s Red Cell, an analytical unit created after the September 11 attacks to challenge conventional thinking within the US intelligence community.
Drop Site News reported the findings after speaking with two US sources who were briefed on the assessment. According to the report, several pressures are now converging as Israel heads toward its October 27 elections.
One of the sources stressed that the warning should not be dismissed as speculation because it was written by analysts who closely follow Israel.
“The writers of this are Israel experts,” the source told Drop Site News. “This isn’t a fantastical what if, with the upcoming election and the fissures in Israel we should take seriously their conclusion that Israel is one spark away from real internal conflict.”
The reported assessment points to a number of pressures weighing on Israeli society, including economic difficulties, record military spending and widespread psychological trauma.
But one of the most sensitive issues identified is the growing divide over military service.
Israel’s ultra-Orthodox population has historically benefited from broad exemptions from mandatory military service, while continuing to receive state benefits. The arrangement has become increasingly controversial as reservists have spent extended periods away from their families and jobs because of Israel’s ongoing wars.
“Their collective refusal to serve is not rooted in opposition to Israel’s wars, as ultra-Orthodox leaders argue that military service threatens religious life and their obligation to Torah study,” the report reads.
“But after years in which reservists have been repeatedly called away from their jobs and families, the exemption has become a potent source of resentment in Israeli society.”
With Israel approaching a crucial election, the reported CIA warning highlights how economic pressures, military demands and political divisions could combine to create an increasingly volatile environment.
COURTESY: Mktnews234
