Israeli reserve general: Leadership conflict within IDF could undermine national security

Former IDF Spokesman, Reserve Brigadier General Ran Kochav, has criticized the ongoing tension between Defense Minister Israel Katz and IDF Spokesman Daniel Hagari, warning of its detrimental impact on the military's performance and the broader state apparatus.

"The reports from both sides are humiliating, and discussing them in the media is unnecessary. Instead of dealing with the issue of the kidnapped and the three fighters from the 46th Battalion whom we will bury today, we are dealing with who said what," he remarked in conversation with Israeli media, per Caliber.Az.

The conflict stems from the IDF’s investigation into the events of October 7. In December, Defense Minister Katz informed IDF Chief of General Staff Herzi Halevi that he would block new top command appointments until the investigation was concluded.

In response, IDF Spokesman Daniel Hagari stated that the army would proceed with appointments, emphasizing that the quality of the investigation should take precedence over speed. Hagari added that such issues should be resolved through dialogue between the defence minister and the chief of general staff, not aired publicly.

Hagari’s statement angered Katz, who suggested he might seek Hagari’s dismissal. Katz stated, “The IDF spokesman who recently apologized for exceeding his authority and attacking the political echelon is again exceeding his authority by attacking and preaching morality to the political echelon. This time, an apology will not be enough.”

Kochav suggested that the disagreement is politically motivated. “Katz and Hagari have no unity of purpose; they have different interests,” he said.

He also expressed concern over the army's effectiveness amid the leadership rift. “The system is not working effectively. The IDF cannot achieve the goals of the war. The war with the Palestinians continues: yesterday three of our fighters were killed, and this week we had attacks in both Judea and Samaria and Gaza. It is impossible to win this way, especially together,” Kochav warned.

By Tamilla Hasanova