Defence Minister Israel Katz has publicly defended Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, as ‘the most suitable candidate to build up and run the forces’
August 6, 2025 11:33
Yair Netanyahu, son of the Israeli prime minister, has publicly accused the IDF’s chief of staff, Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, of leading a “coup and rebellion” against his father.
His remarks came in response to a tweet referencing reports that the elder Netanyahu had presented a plan for the “total occupation” of Gaza, but that he had been opposed by Zamir in cabinet.
"If the person who dictated that tweet is who we all think, this is nothing short of a mutiny and a military coup reminiscent of banana republics in the 1970s. It’s outright criminal,” wrote Yair.
He has also subsequently re-shared a number of posts criticising Zamir, including one accusing him of “aiding the enemy” by “exposing protocals in wartime”.
Yair’s comments were, according to reports in Israeli media, raised in a meeting between Zamir and the prime minister yesterday, with the head of the military said to be incensed by the suggestion.
According to Israel’s public broadcaster Kan, Zamir asked the prime minister: “How does that look? Why are you attacking me? Why are you speaking against me in the middle of a war?”
Netanyahu is said to have responded: “Don’t threaten to quit in the media. I can’t accept that every time you threaten that if we don’t accept your plans, you’ll leave.
"My son is 33, he’s a grown man.”
In recent days, senior government officials have been quoted briefing against Zamir over his reported opposition to the occupation plan, which is reportedly, at least in part, due to his concern about the safety of the hostages still held in Gaza.
"The die is cast — we are going for a full occupation of the Gaza Strip,” one official told Ynet. “There will be operations even in areas where hostages are being held. If the chief of staff doesn’t agree, he should resign.”
Far-right National Security Minister has also publicly increased the pressure on Zamir, saying: “The chief of staff must clearly state he will fully comply with the political leadership’s instructions, even if the decision is to occupy Gaza."
However, he has been defended by Defence Minister Israel Katz, who appointed him to the role of IDF chief in March, saying: “Yes, exactly as published, I recommended Eyal Zamir for the position of IDF chief of staff, and the prime minister and government approved my recommendation.
"I believed that at the crossroads the IDF was at, he was the most suitable candidate to build up and run the forces in the face of the many security challenges that lay ahead of us, due to his security outlook, his abilities, and his extensive experience.”
Katz also addressed Yair’s accusation that Zamir was resisting the will of the political leadership, saying that it was his “right and duty to express his position in the appropriate forum” and then carry out whatever policy the government decides on “as has been the case until now”.
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