At a ceremony marking the anniversary of David Ben-Gurion’s passing, IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir delivered pointed remarks widely interpreted as criticism of Israel’s current leadership.
Zamir emphasized the need for leaders who “recognize failure” and “dare to drive change,” contrasting this with leadership that “frightens” or “evades responsibility.” His comments came amid an escalating dispute with Defense Minister Israel Katz, who recently ordered a re-investigation of the IDF’s October 7 reviews and froze senior promotions.
Zamir accused Katz of political interference that undermines military readiness. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has attempted to mediate the conflict but denied reports of planning to fire Katz. Despite tensions, both men attended a security-budget meeting later that evening.
The confrontation highlights deep divisions over accountability for the October 7 failures and ongoing resistance by the government to forming an independent state commission of inquiry.
