Former US Army Europe commander General Ben Hodges has compared Ukraine’s post-war future to that of Israel. In an interview with Deutsche Welle’s Ukrainian service, he stated that Ukraine will operate in a state of permanent threat, with a robust defense industry, rapid mobilization, and wholehearted public support for defense. He also predicted that Ukrainian intelligence will hunt down Russian war criminals, echoing the post-WWII operations of Israel’s Mossad.
Hodges, who commanded US forces in Europe from 2014 to 2017, laid out a vision of a permanently mobilized society. He argued that Ukraine’s security guarantee lies in becoming a nation like Israel – one that, even after winning several wars, remains on constant alert. The general noted that Ukraine is already attracting international partners interested in its defense capabilities.
He criticized the Trump administration’s assessment of Ukraine as a weak ally. According to Hodges, Ukraine is actively helping Gulf states defend against Iranian drones. He pointed out: – Ukraine helps the Gulf states defend against Iranian drones. These countries will likely fund the Ukrainian defense industry to gain access to its capabilities, even though the US president said we do not need anything from them. – said Hodges.
A nation in permanent readiness
The comparison with Israel goes beyond military strength, Hodges explained. It is about a societal ethos where the entire population sees defense as its own duty. He stated explicitly: – The future of Ukraine, its security guarantee, lies in becoming like Israel: with a strong defense industry, very effective and rapid mobilization, and a whole society that fully supports defense. – said Hodges. This model, he believes, is the only way to ensure long-term survival against a revanchist Russia.
The general also highlighted that Ukraine’s military intelligence service, the HUR, will likely adopt a long-term approach to justice. Just as Mossad tracked down Nazi war criminals for decades, Ukrainian operatives will hunt Russian soldiers responsible for war crimes. This signals that the conflict may not truly conclude with a ceasefire; instead, it will shift to a new phase of accountability and clandestine operations.
No chance for Russian victory
Despite the grim outlook, Hodges expressed confidence in Ukraine’s military trajectory. He stated: – Russia has no chance of winning this war. The recent events at the front are turning negative for them – territorial losses, huge numbers of killed, and the effectiveness of Ukrainian attacks on Russian rear lines. – said Hodges. He pointed to Ukraine’s ability to strike deep into Russian-controlled territory and degrade its logistical capabilities.
Hodges also noted that Ukraine’s defense industry is already exporting drones and electronic warfare systems to several countries, catching the attention of wealthy Gulf states seeking to diversify suppliers. His assessment comes as Ukraine continues to develop domestic weapons production and deepen ties with non-Western partners. The general’s vision suggests that even after active hostilities end, Ukraine will remain a fortified, vigilant state – a nation that is small but tough, much like Israel in the Middle East.
Źródło: Polsat News, Fot. Polsat News
