Defense News reports: An embattled Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spent the final week before elections defending himself against criticism on a variety of topics from veterans of the country’s security establishment, including charges that he is backing away from the two-state solution with Palestine.

Confirming fears within the Likud that this election may be slipping through his fingers, Netanyahu told the Jerusalem Post on March 12, “Our security is at great risk because there is a real danger that we could lose this election.”

The rebukes came from a wide array of former security officials, the most prominent being former Mossad head Meir Dagan.

At a massive rally held in Tel Aviv’s Rabin Square on March 7, Dagan said, “I am frightened by our leadership. I am afraid because of the lack of vision and loss of direction. I am frightened by the hesitation and the stagnation. And I am frightened, above all else, from a crisis in leadership. It is the worst crisis that Israel has seen to this day.”

With over 35,000 people in attendance, the Israel Wants Change rally, organized by Million Hands, a grassroots group in favor of the two-state solution, was one of the most visible and sharp attacks from the left against Netanyahu.

Also speaking at the rally, former Northern Command head Maj. Gen. (res.) Amiram Levine warned that Netanyahu is leading Israel to a bi-national or apartheid state.

“I have felt that Israel is losing its way and we are on the path to disaster,” he said. [Continue reading…]