Ami Ayalon: How do we know we are ruled by a tyrannical regime?
The following is text from a speech delivered by Ami Ayalon – former head of the Shin Bet security service and commander-in-chief of the Navy – outside Prime Minister Netanyahu’s Office on March 23, 2025.
How do we know if Israel is ruled by a tyrannical regime?
When the government sends our young people to war to preserve its own rule – we know we are living under a tyrannical regime.
When the government, in times of war, exempts hundreds of thousands from military service to maintain its rule – we know we are living under a tyrannical regime.
When the government determines the fate of 59 Israeli hostages just to preserve its power – we know we are living under a tyrannical regime.
When the government dismisses the “gatekeepers” of democracy—the head of the Shin Bet and the Attorney General—to maintain its control – we know we are living under a tyrannical regime.
When the government appoints a minister who supports terrorism, scorns democratic values, and does so against the Attorney General’s advice—all to maintain its rule – we know we are living under a tyrannical regime.
When the Prime Minister publicly declares that his government will not comply with the Supreme Court’s rulings – we know we are living under a tyrannical regime.
To preserve its rule, this government has crushed the legislative authority, turning the Knesset into a mere assembly of mockery. And at this very moment, it is preparing for battle against the Supreme Court—a battle it has already declared.
And I ask: How long will we keep our eyes shut and pretend that Israel is still a democracy?!
How long will we refuse to see that this government is a rebellious government?! A government rebelling against the fundamental values of the Jewish and democratic State of Israel, as enshrined by our founding fathers in the Declaration of Independence.
How long will we refuse to see the black flag waving over this government and all its actions?
When will we open our eyes and recognize that the actions of this government — brazenly and proudly violating the law — are “marked by blatant illegality, which is both an offense to justice and an insult to conscience, Unless our eyes are blind and our hearts are numb or corrupt!”
When will we understand that as citizens, it is our duty to resist the laws enacted solely to sustain this government’s rule?!
We are here today to tell the government ministers: We, the citizens, are the true owners of this country!
When you attack the gatekeepers — we will stand as the guardians of the guardians! We will protect them with our very bodies!
We are here today to tell the citizens of Israel still sheltering in their homes: Open your eyes and take to the streets!
We call on opposition leaders: Leave the Knesset! Set up offices in tents around the parliamentary building that has been emptied of its values! Lead, together with us, a civil resistance movement against this government that is destroying democracy!
We will establish a tent city and call on business leaders, municipal heads, university presidents, and all educational institutions to stop! To bring the country to a standstill!
We will call on all Israeli citizens to march en masse to Jerusalem, surround the Knesset, and take part in nonviolent civil resistance!
We are fighting for the Jewish and democratic character of the State of Israel! Our determination, restraint, and unwavering belief in the values that brought us here will decide whether we prevail!
All we must remember are the words spoken 123 years ago by a wise man who believed in the power of faith: “If you will it, it is no dream.”
And therefore — we will win!
Ami Ayalon is the former head of the Shin Bet security service and commander-in-chief of the Navy. This speech was delivered outside Prime Minister Netanyahu’s Office on March 23, 2025.