At the Jerusalem Post Diplomatic Conference at the Friends of Zion Media Center, Brigadier General (Res.) Amir Avivi, founder and chairman of the Israel Defense and Security Forum (IDSF), stated that “national security primarily revolves around national values,” adding that Israel’s strength depends not only on technology but also on “spirit, resolve, and the willingness to truly strive and succeed for future generations." Avivi discussed the Valour Fund, which was created as an Israeli alternative to foreign foundations and supports science education within a broader national security vision.
In reference to the David Institute for Security Policy, Avivi noted its focus on the long-term, asking, "What is needed to secure Israel for generations to come? Since no one was truly researching and understanding this issue." Aviv went on to emphasize the significance of Jewish identity in both Israel and the diaspora: “We are the heroes of the story. You don’t need to abandon your identity to address problems. Judaism and Zionism tell the collective story of a people who prayed for 2,000 years to return, and this time it’s forever."
When asked about the ongoing situation in Gaza, Avivi’s message was clear: “True victory involves eradicating Hamas as a governing and military force, rescuing our hostages, and ensuring that terror armies never again exist in the Gaza Strip.” He dismissed the two-state solution, asserting that “Israel cannot survive on a nine-mile coast" and must retain sovereignty over the Jordan Valley and strategic high ground. Reflecting on his 2022 security evaluation, Avivi criticized Israel’s leadership for relying on "containment,” warning that "the greatest threat is ourselves – our connection to our values, Judaism, Zionism, and the unity of the Jewish people.”
Written in collaboration with IDSF