A Personal Note Commanders For Israel's Security (CIS ) in Transition

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From: Amnon Reshef <reshefamnon@cis.org.il>
Date: Mon, 2 Dec 2019 at 18:42
Subject: A Personal Note CIS in Transition
To: Debra V. Wilson

Dear Debra V. Wilson, At the end of five intensive years, I am stepping down as CIS Chairperson. As I believe that the CIS mission is as essential as ever, I not only continue my membership, but also will make myself available for a smooth transition and contribute further in whatever capacity the new leadership will deem fit. This is no surprise to the CIS Steering and Executive committees, as I had twice agreed to postpone my target dates due to developments in the country. To my delight, Aryeh Pellman, CIS Deputy Chairperson and former Deputy Director of Shin Bet, agreed to act as interim Chair. This takes place as CIS is in the midst of comprehensive preparations for its next chapter. These involve not only a search committee for a new chairperson, but also some structural changes as befitting a more mature organization. Also, CIS is in the midst of a thorough review of past activity with a view to assessing decisions regarding target audience/s (general public or segments thereof; opinion shapers; decision makers, etc.) and the relative utility of venues for approaching them (street campaigns; traditional and social media; low-profile education/lobbying efforts, etc.). Targeting the end of Q1/20 for the launch of the new chapter, it is expected that this will coincide with more clarity about the CIS mission. Specifically, will the movement mobilize in support of a government pursing policies advocated by CIS in setting in motion a process of separation from the Palestinians as detailed in "Security First", and in changing course on Gaza, as proposed in "Gaza: a New Israeli Strategy"? Or will the three hundred generals have to stand up to an annexationist administration that ignores the devastating consequences as presented in "Ramifications of West Bank Annexation"? Whatever the challenge, two things are certain: first, in the coming years, a security-based, professional potent advocacy of the values we share and policies we support will be essential, and none can match the CIS's. Second, your support will be even more critical in helping CIS make its voice heard loud and clear, at home and abroad. I take this opportunity for thank you for your support and friendship and for asking that you don't be a stranger. I am stepping down, but am going nowhere, so I hope to hear from you. Best, Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Amnon Reshef Founder Commanders for Israel's Security Senior Security Officials Promoting Political-Security Arrangements About Us DONATE 7 Kehilat Saloniky st. Tel Aviv, 6618003. Israel Office: +972-77-4347705

Commanders for Israel's Securit: Security Together:CIS at the second annual “Influencers Conference”

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Please reach out directly to Commanders for Israel's Security if you seek to be added to their mailing list, as I have removed that hyperlink from this mass emailing.

I also removed the hyperlink for donations, so if you are interested in making donations this would be another reason to contact CIIS directly.

- Debra V. Wilson 

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From: Commanders for Israel's Security <doar@cis.org.il>
Date: Thu, 12 Sep 2019 at 19:38
Subject: Security Together:CIS at the second annual "Influencers Conference"
To: Debra V. Wilson

Security Together: CIS at the second annual "Influencers Conference" Dear Debra V. Wilson, Context: Forging Security-Diplomatic Consensus Over the past months, members of CIS met with acting and prospective decision makers, as well as with those who 'whisper on their ears' across the political spectrum, for discussions on the most pressing issues on our agenda. During those meetings, we presented the CIS plans and analyses most relevant to the policy of the next government, accentuating Security First, our Alternative Gaza Strategy [Hebrew], and Ramifications Of West Bank Annexation: Security And Beyond. Our 'hidden' agenda was to identify - and seek to promote - the broadest possible national consensus over the main recommendations of our various initiatives. Despite the heavy schedule of those campaigning, the response was impressive. We held over 50 such meetings, mostly with a single counterpart, but often with small groups who share some common denominator, such as current and possible future MKs with security experience. Our main takeaway was that - conventional wisdom notwithstanding - in serious discussions, with no media exposure, a broad agreement can be reached. This effort yielded our concise Together Security memo, which can serve as the relevant chapter in the new government's policy guidelines. To read 'Together Security' memo » Click here. Subsequently, and through the swearing in of a new government, our efforts are focused on efforts to persuade as many relevant players as possible, to embrace those principles, even if respective campaign strategies rule out public expressions of such support. Influencers Conference Our only departure from this low-profile effort was the September 5th second annual "Influencers Conference" convened in Tel Aviv by Channel 12 TV (Israel's most viewed TV channel). With some 5,000 members of the political, media and business communities in the audience, tens of thousands more viewed the live broadcast of the proceedings and scores more were exposed to selected segments over Channel 12th other media outlets. CIS chose the event to roll out its Security Together memo, which was discussed on stage and distributed at the CIS booth. CIS Booth Placed at the most central location, it was impossible to miss the CIS booth, its messages flashed on screens, or its members who staffed the booth for the conference's ten-hour duration. Indeed, visitors picked some 1,500 copies of our memo and scores engaged CIS members in serious, at times lengthy conversations (including surprising discussions with leaders of the settler community). On Stage Our Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Danny Yatom, former Director of Mossad and Aryeh Pellman, former Deputy Director of Shin Bet, were joined by Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Yaakov Amidror and Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Effi Eitam, in a conversation over "how to extract Israel of the Palestinian Quagmire", moderated by Danna Weis, Channel 12th senior correspondent. Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Amnon Reshef was interviewed by Ronni Daniel, Channel 12th senior military commentator. To view excerpts from the interview with Amnon Reshef » click here. Two CIS members, who are former Directors of Shin Bet, Admiral (Ret.) Amy Ayalon and Yaakov Perri, together with Carmi Gilon, a third formed Shin Bet Director, discussed government policy vis-s-vis the Arab World and regional terror organizations. On the Margins A telling anecdote: Of the many reactions to the CIS participation, noteworthy was the one issued by Prime Minister Netanyahu. In his personal Tweeter account, he accentuated the CIS participation among his reasons for instructing member of Likud to boycott the event. However astonishing the statement, careful as ever to not be dragged into partisan politics, CIS chose not to respond. Yet we took notice of the importance the PM attaches to CIS. What Next? As noted above, CIS will continue investing in generating support for the principles and policies encapsulated in Security Together in an effort to see them incorporated in government policy. Mostly, we shall continue the 'under the radar' and off camera meetings, expanding the circle of interlocutors to the Haredi rabbinical and political leadership (for which we have hired a specialized group). CIS Review The CIS governing bodies have launched the second round since 2014, of comprehensive and in-depth discussions, with the aim of reviewing three areas: CIS vision and objectives; movement structure and decision making mechanisms; modes of operation. We expect a thorough and exciting process, not the list due to the input of new members who also joined the executive and steering committees. Thank you for your interest and support. Best, Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Amnon Reshef Chairman Commanders for Israel's Security Senior Security Officials Promoting Political-Security Arrangements About Us 7 Kehilat Saloniky st. Tel Aviv, 6618003. Israel Office: +972-77-4347705

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Commanders for Israel's Security: Unnecessary Bloodbath

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From: Commanders for Israel's Security <doar@cis.org.il>
Date: Wed, 21 Aug 2019 at 17:46
Subject: Unnecessary Bloodbath

Dear Debra V. Wilson, Responding to an Op Ed that advocates further pressure on the Palestinians in the service of "changing their narative", Arye Pellman, former Deputy Head of Shin Bet and CIS deputy chairman, suggests an alternative approach... Yours, Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Amnon Reshef Chairman * * * Unnecessary Bloodbath Aryeh Pellman, former Deputy Head of the Shin Bet Member of Commanders for Israel's Security Published in Haaretz | August 10, 2019 Gen. (res.) Yossi Kuperwasser, former head of research in Israel's Military Intelligence and CEO of the Strategic Affairs Ministry, tries to make the case for the importance of changing the Palestinian narrative and for unilaterally applying Israeli law to Jewish settlements in the West Bank. (Haaretz, July 31, 2019). Without changing the Palestinian narrative that rejects Israel's existence, he argues, there can be no significant progress toward peace negotitations. Arguing with this interpretive statement is useless, as it ignores the unswerving position of the Palestinian Authority and its regional and global allies, that their goal is to bring about the establishment of a Palestinian state alongside Israel. It may very well be that Kuperwasser excels at mindreading, and that quote aficionados will find references to his approach in things said by one Palestinian or another. But as one who believes that what mighty Israel does is far more important than what the weak Palestinian Authority secretly dreams about, the flaw in his claim is that it is premised on the assertion that Israel is making an efforts to negotiate peace. For a decade now, this claim is not supported by evidence. I maintain that before we try to change others' positions, we need to decide clearly and unequivocally what is in Israel's best interest. Once we make that determination, it is in our power to shape a reality that promotes the national objectives we have set ourselves, even if the conditions for its full realization do not exist yet. What is our national objective? What is the vision of our members of cabinet and others in the coalition as reflected not only in public statements but in the many bills for partial or full annexation of the West Bank and its residents? Who and what exactly should the nations of the world, the Palestinians, and especially Israelis beilieve? Kuperwasser's arguments or decision makers' deeds? Even those presenting the Palestinian narrative as one that rejects an arrangement must face the challenge of mobilizing the support of the regional and international community in changing it (rather than rely solely on the Trump administration). Israel's actions, Knesset annexation initiatives, our leaders' statements, deprive such an effort of any credibility. Kuperwasser further states that inflicting economic harm on the Palestinian Authority, the transfer of the US embassy to Jerusalem and a next step of applying Israeli law to settlements in the West Bank, all add up to an effective whip that will force the Palestinians to change their narrative. He is correct in one thing: Commanders for Israel Security (CIS) - whose close to 300 members are all former senior Israeli security officials - is united in its assessment that the application of Israeli law to West Bank territory will undermine Israel's security to an unprecedented degree. Not only are we not party to the artificial differentiation between "applying Israeli law" and "annexation", but following a comprehensive study of the issue - which was presented to decision makers, the defense establishment and is publicly available - we identified the chain reaction triggered by annexation legislation, which ends with a re-occupation of the entire area, with Israel managing and funding the needs of millions of Palestinians, all following a bloodbath. We will be happy to see the Knesset avoiding dangerous annexation measures, or, should it fail to avoid them – to discover that Kuperwasser's optimism was justified, and that the "domino effect" we warn about will not materialize. But should Israel's security be jeopardized based on one's optimism? Should we gamble so for the sake of the odd objective of changing the Palestinian narrative? Whoever advocates such a measure must vouch to the people of Israel that a decision to annex will not result in bloodshed, and should he is proven wrong and our prediction materializes, he knows how to extract our country from forever controling the lives of millions of Palestinians. Finally, Kuperwasser should have bothered to check the CIS's position before attributing to us support for dangerous unilateral concessions and dismantling of Jewish settlements. That is completely unfounded. The CIS "Security First" interim plan outlines measures for civil separation while retaining security control, and without dismantling even a single settlement until an arrangement is reached. The plan demonstrates what it takes to boost security cooperation with the Palestinian Authority, including creating territorial contiguity between Palestinian enclaves (Areas A and B)that are surrounded by Israeli-controlled territory (Area C), thus enabling the deployment of Palestinian police which is essential to contain terrorist organizations, mainly Hamas. In essence, these measures will upgrade security, increase stability, reduce friction between populations, and, over time, form the basis for a demilitarized Palestinian state. Knesset advocates of "annexation now", both inside and outside the government, bear heavy responsibility for the very future of the Zionist enterprise, which is dear to them as it is to us. They better study the subject well before risking our future and the future of generations to come. Aryeh Pellman is a former Deputy Head of the Shin Bet and is a member of Commanders for Israel's Security. Link to the article in Haaretz (Hebrew). Commanders for Israel's Security Senior Security Officials Promoting Political-Security Arrangements 7 Kehilat Saloniky st. Tel Aviv, 6618003. Israel Office: +972-77-4347705

Commanders for Israel's Security: CIS campaign update, 12 December 2018

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Dear Debra V. Wilson, Just Getting Started One week into the most ambitious CIS campaign ever, I'd like to share with you what we've been doing in phase one (to last through December 31st), which is dedicated to introducing the subject of "No annexation, separation!" into the public discourse. We close the first week with well over two hundred signatures of retired IDF generals and Mossad, Shin Bet and police equivalents, on full page ads featuring the campaign's theme: "For Israel's Security, it's time to Divorce the Palestinians". [CIS polling and focus groups found this formulation to be more effective than all others tested in overcoming psychological barriers to the notion of - and in enhancing/mobilizing support for - separation in the service of short term security and long term two-state solution.] (Click on the picture to enlarge) The campaign began on Thursday (December 6th), with over 500 billboards plastered all over the country, featuring several key leaders and calling upon them to lead that 'divorce'. The same message flooded smartphones, social media, and online news channels as well as full page ads in the press. (Click on the picture to enlarge) This was also the beginning of free media activity by a dozen CIS members, accentuating the imminence of annexationists' plans to legislate West Bank annexation and the devastating consequences to Israel's security and otherwise should they have their way (as detailed in the CIS report: "Ramifications of West Bank Annexation"); as well as the need and opportunity for separating from the Palestinians (as spelled out in the CIS plan: "Security First"). Offline & FreeMedia Thus far, press items have included the following (in chronological order): (Click on the pictures to read or view) In English Maj. Gen. (Res.) Gadi Shamni Yediot Ahronot op ed [English translation of the Hebrew original by Yediot] Maj. Gen. (Res.) Danny Yatom, former Head of Mossad Ynet interview [English subtitles] Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Amnon Reshef Times of Israel op ed Mr. Rolly Gueron, former Mossad Division Chief Kan Radio interview. In Hebrew Maj. Gen. (Res.) Avi Mizrachi 103FM interview Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Amnon Reshef Channel 20 TV interview Prof. Uzi Arad, former National Security Adviser Channel 13 TV interview Brig. Gen. (Res) Giora Inbar Kan News Radio interview Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Amnon Reshef Galei Israel Radio interview Prof. Chuck Freilich, former Deputy National Security Adviser Ynet op ed Mr. Arye Pellman, Former Interim Head of Shin Bet Channel 20 TV interview Brig. Gen. (Res.) Ron Kitri Galei Israel Radio interview Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Amnon Reshef 103FM Radio interview Online The CIS online activity has thus far been viewed (reached & visitors) as follows:  Facebook:  2,100,000. News channel banners: 1,000,000. Movie clips: 1,900,000. Dedicated mini-site visitations: 100,000. Tweeter: 138,000. I am at your disposal for any elaboration and will appreciate your feedback. I'll keep you updated as we proceed. Thank you for your support. Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Amnon Reshef Chairman Commanders for Israel's Security Senior Security Officials Promoting Political-Security Arrangements TO DONATE Members of the movement | About Us Khilat Saloniky 7. Tel Aviv, 6951307. Israel Office: +972-77-4347705

Commanders for Israel's Security Senior Security Officials Promoting Political-Security Arrangements: The Silver Platter of the Yom Kippur War

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Dear Debra V. Wilson, Just moments before the onset of Yom Kippur, as so many Israeli families deal with the pain of that horrific war 45 years ago, I'd like to share with you some personal reflections on those testing moments as conveyed to an Israeli correspondent and published earlier today [for English version: click here or here for pdf file]. In a few days I'll be in touch again, to brief you on our ambitious objectives and aggressive plans for major public campaigns starting October and running all the way to Election Day. No, we shall endorse no party or candidate, nor will we attack any. But remaining strictly non-partisan is not synonymous with sitting on our hands. We will be aggressive; we will be loud; we will be all over the place; and we will get public attention to our main battle cry and to its logic and urgency: "No Annexation. Separation!". How we intend to do that and why we believe our effort might affect not only the public discourse but possibly electoral choices – all that for next time. For now, just כתיבה וחתימה טובה to you and all who are dear to you. Sincerely, Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Amnon Reshef Chairman Commanders for Israel's Security Senior Security Officials Promoting Political-Security Arrangements Members of the movement | About Us Kehilat Saluniki 7 Tel Aviv, 6618003. Israel Office: +972-77-4347705

Commanders for Israel's Security: No Annexation. Separation! - second phase

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---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Amnon Reshef <amnonreshef@cis.org.il>
Date: 23 February 2018 at 08:46
Subject: No Annexation. Separation! - second phase

No annexation. Separation! second phase Dear Debra V. Wilson, That Knesset (and national) minority is trying to push forward West Bank annexation again with a draft law scheduled for review by the relevant ministerial committee on Sunday. CIS has just launched the second phase of an effort to alert those Knesset members who seem reluctant to stop this madness, as well as their respective constituencies, of the potentially irreversible consequences of such a reckless move. As we gear up to a fill the Knesset with CIS members should the draft law reach the floor (potentially as early as Wednesday), our aggressive social media is in full force. A sample is translated below. Thank you for your support! Sincerely, Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Amnon Reshef Chairman * * * The post reads as follows: Benjamin Netanyahu, Avigdor Lieberman, Moshe Kahlon, Naftali Bennet, Ayelet Shaked, Arieh Deri, Moshe Gafni, Yaakov Litzman, -- you have no mandate to annex! Your vote this coming Sunday in the Ministerial Committee on Legislation in favor of the annexation law will trigger a countdown towards the end of the Zionist dream.  You will be setting in motion a destructive process leading to the annexation of 2.5 million Palestinians, against the wishes of the majority of Israel's Jewish population.  Annexation will bring an end to Israel's preponderant Jewish majority and with it the country's Jewish and democratic values.  Israel will cease to be our country. We, 281 members of Commanders for Israel's Security, all former senior officers in Israel's security forces, call upon you to stop this insanity.  We appeal to the Israeli public to join us in demanding that the government fulfill its responsibility towards the Jewish People's one and only nation state, and remove this dangerous annexation law from the public agenda. NOT annexation. Separation! Commanders for Israel's Security Senior Security Officials Promoting Political-Security Arrangements Members of the movement | About Us 48 Derech Menachem Begin st. Tel Aviv, 6618003. Israel Office: +972-77-4347705