Israeli defence Minister, Military Chief in public clash over promotions

Israel’s defence minister and military chief have engaged in a public dispute over senior army appointments, highlighting growing tensions between the country’s political and military leadership. According to The Times of Israel, Defence Minister Israel Katz accused Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir of approving promotions “without prior coordination and agreement” and vowed not to discuss or approve the announced names. The Israel Defense Forces responded by releasing the list of promotions, stressing that Zamir is “the sole authority under regulations for appointing commanders at the rank of colon

Israel’s defence minister and military chief have engaged in a public dispute over senior army appointments, highlighting growing tensions between the country’s political and military leadership. According to The Times of Israel, Defence Minister Israel Katz accused Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir of approving promotions “without prior coordination and agreement” and vowed not to discuss or approve the announced names. The Israel Defense Forces responded by releasing the list of promotions, stressing that Zamir is “the sole authority under regulations for appointing commanders at the rank of colonel and above” and that the staffing discussions “were scheduled in advance, in accordance with regulations.” Among those promoted is Barak Hiram, set to head the IDF’s Operations Division. Haaretz reports Hiram faced controversy over ordering tank and shell fire on a house in Kibbutz Be’eri on October 7, 2023, where 13 Israeli captives were held. He was later cleared by an investigation that concluded he acted “professionally in the face of a difficult and complex reality.” Meanwhile in Gaza, Wafa News agency reports more Israeli forces' raids in the occupied West Bank. Operations included raiding a house in Sa’ir near Hebron and arresting a man, searching homes in Taffuh and causing property damage, and setting up multiple military checkpoints in Hebron while cutting off nearby towns. In separate incidents, troops demolished a home in Silwad near Ramallah and arrested another man in Shuweika near Tulkarem.