After years as a civilian, Peter Lerner, a former decorated career officer in the IDF Spokesman’s Unit, found himself back in uniform, serving as a spokesman for the IDF during the recent Gaza conflict.
Lerner, who had retired from the IDF in 2017, was motivated to return to service after the wave of rocket attacks on Israel in October 2022. He felt that he had a responsibility to help convey Israel’s message to the international community and to defend his country against what he saw as unfair criticism.
Lerner’s role during the conflict was to support the IDF’s international media chief, Lt.-Col. Richard Hecht, and to help get the IDF’s word out through social media, public diplomacy, and communication with the mainstream media.
Lerner noted that the media landscape has changed significantly since his previous stint as a spokesman in 2014. He said that there is now a much greater level of skepticism toward institutions and that it is more difficult to get the media to accept Israel’s version of events.
Despite the challenges, Lerner said he believes that Israel has a strong case to make and that he is committed to helping the IDF get its message out to the world.
Lerner also spoke about the importance of Israel’s right to self-defense. He said that Israel is facing a real threat from Hamas and that it has the right to take whatever measures are necessary to protect its citizens.
Lerner acknowledged that there is a debate in Israel over the opening of border crossings for humanitarian aid. He said that he understands the need to provide assistance to the people of Gaza, but he also believes that it is important to ensure that Hamas does not use the crossings to smuggle weapons or other contraband into the territory.
Lerner concluded by saying that he is confident in Israel’s ability to defeat Hamas and to achieve its military goals. He said that he is also confident that Israel will be able to maintain its international legitimacy and support.
