Katz said the IDF is subordinate to decisions of the political echelon, headed by the prime minister, and that the defense minister’s role is to ensure those decisions are implemented.
Defense Minister Israel Katz criticized IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir on Saturday, accusing him of imposing sanctions against officers without informing him, choosing not to investigate certain issues recommended to him, and holding a placement discussion for colonels before the Defense Establishment Comptroller completed his review.
The IDF investigations and senior appointments are crucial after October 7 and have no connection to any personal or political matters, Katz said.
He noted that even under the previous chief of staff, he insisted the probes be completed before appointing new major-generals, and supported Zamir’s decision to form a committee led by Maj.-Gen. (res.) Sami Turgeman to review them.
The committee ultimately recommended redoing flawed investigations and completing those that were missing, including the overlooked “Jericho Wall” Hamas plan, uncovered as early as 2018.
Katz said he expected Zamir to follow these recommendations, but was surprised when the chief of staff instead imposed sanctions on officers without informing or consulting him.
Defense Minister Israel Katz speaks during an IDF swearing-in ceremony for the new Military Advocate-General Itai Offir, November 27, 2025 (credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON’S UNIT)
Katz’s statement comes a day after he had blocked the promotion of Col. (res.) German Gitelman, due to his involvement with Brothers in Arms and his alleged promotion of conscientious objection, and informed Zamir of his decision to do so.
“Those who preach or encourage refusal will not serve in the IDF and will not be promoted to any position,” he said.
Gitelman strikes back at Katz
Zamir announced several senior IDF appointments on Thursday, despite Katz’s instruction to freeze promotions until the Defense Ministry comptroller completes a review of the October 7 probe.
It was reported last month that Katz had also blocked Zamir’s appointments for Brig.-Gen. Omer Tishler as the next IAF commander, R.-Adm. Tal Politis as the defense attaché in Washington, and Maj.-Gen. Eyal Harel as the Israel Navy commander.
Amir Bohbot and Yonah Jeremy Bob contributed to this report.