Defense Chief and PM Deny Zamir Dismissal Rumors Day Before Vote
Israel Katz and Benjamin Netanyahu rejected reports of a rift with the military chief, citing election timing and Iranian strategy.
By Layla Petrov ·
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz denied reports on Monday that they planned to dismiss IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir. The denials came one day before Knesset elections, amid allegations of friction between political and military leadership regarding Iran.
Katz described the reports as a "complete fabrication and an outright lie." He argued that the news was part of a broader effort to harm the Likud Party ahead of Tuesday's vote. Katz stated that he personally recommended Zamir for the role and that their collaboration would continue.
"We are working together for the security of the State of Israel, with unprecedented historic achievements, and that is how I intend to continue acting in the future," Katz said.
Netanyahu's office rejected the reports, calling them "complete fake news from beginning to end." The Prime Minister took to X/Twitter to address the story directly. He labeled the coverage from Channels 12 and 13 as panic-mongering. Netanyahu confirmed he did not intend to dismiss the chief of staff. He added that he plans to eliminate the Iranian nuclear threat with President Trump and sign additional peace agreements.
Former IDF Chief of Staff and Yashar Party chairman Gadi Eisenkot weighed in on the controversy. He stated that Zamir would remain in office until the law requires otherwise. Eisenkot suggested that Netanyahu would leave office after the next government forms. He promised voters a prime minister who prioritizes national security over political interests.
The dispute followed reports from Channel 12 News on Sunday evening. The outlet claimed Netanyahu and Zamir clashed over a potential strike on Iran. Defense officials countered that military decisions rest solely on professional grounds. The IDF Spokesperson's Unit confirmed the military is on high alert across all fronts. It emphasized that operational activities are driven by security and national interests, not political considerations.
Katz also denied claims of disagreement between the political and military leadership. He said coordination was complete and that there was no intention to attack Iran before the elections. However, he clarified that Israel would respond forcefully if Iran struck first. The statements arrived as polling stations prepared to open, placing the relationship between the Prime Minister and the military brass at the center of public debate.
