In his latest op-ed, renowned New York Times columnist Thomas Friedman has issued a warning that "today's Israel is in existential danger" due to critical failures in leadership both within Israel and in the United States.

Friedman, an American Jew, highlighted the multifaceted threats facing Israel, particularly from Iran and its regional allies such as Hamas, Hezbollah, the Houthis, and Shiite militias in Iraq. He argued that Israel's military and diplomatic options were currently inadequate to effectively address these challenges.

Of particular concern to Friedman were the precision missiles possessed by Hezbollah in Lebanon, which he stated could potentially devastate large portions of Israel's infrastructure. He criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for prioritizing his personal survival over national security in the face of corruption charges, accusing him of forming alliances with far-right extremists that further fragmented the government's ability to develop a coherent strategy for resolving the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

Friedman also directed criticism towards American political leaders, including President Biden, the pro-Israel lobby AIPAC, and members of Congress, for failing to recognize and address the radicalism within the current Israeli government. He highlighted the controversial decision to invite Netanyahu to speak before a joint session of Congress on July 24, suggesting that it was a calculated move to sow division among Democrats and manipulate American Jewish voters.

Expressing frustration with the lack of accountability and awareness among American leaders, Friedman stressed the damage already done. He emphasized the urgency for recognition and action, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive and responsible approach to addressing the existential dangers that Israel currently faces.

It remains to be seen how Friedman's critique will be received and whether it will spur any changes in Israeli and American political leadership to address the pressing threats to Israel's security. As the situation continues to evolve, the international community will be keeping a close eye on how these issues are addressed and resolved in order to protect the stability and well-being of Israel.