Netanyahu Seeks to Contain Katz–Zamir Clash as Coalition Tensions Grow
Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu is attempting to rein in a rapidly escalating confrontation between Defense Minister Yisroel Katz and IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, amid reports that the premier is weighing a dramatic shake-up at the top of the defense establishment.
Following an Israel Hayom report that Netanyahu is considering replacing Katz with Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, the Prime Minister’s Office issued a brief statement urging the public to ignore politically motivated leaks.
“It is best not to listen to briefings to journalists by interested parties,” Netanyahu’s office said. “The prime minister is determined to solve the issues, and will solve them in the best way possible.”
The feud between Katz and Zamir has spilled into the open in recent days. The defense minister has ordered a re-examination of the military’s review of its internal investigations into the failures surrounding the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led massacre — a move Zamir strongly opposes.
On Monday, Zamir published a pointed statement accusing Katz of harming the army’s readiness by imposing a 30-day freeze on senior promotions the chief of staff had already authorized.
The public exchange infuriated Netanyahu. According to the Kan public broadcaster, the prime minister instructed both men to halt the verbal attacks immediately. He was said to be especially displeased with Zamir’s lengthy press release targeting Katz.
The clash comes at a sensitive moment for the government, and Netanyahu is now working to defuse the confrontation before it destabilizes the coalition or undermines military cohesion.
{Matzav.com}
