IOF Chief, Security Minister clash over senior military reshuffle
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Israeli Security Minister Israel Katz blocks senior IOF appointments by Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, deepening political-military tensions in "Israel" amid disputes over Gaza operations and mounting international scrutiny.
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Israeli Security Minister Israel Katz speaks during a meeting with Secretary of Security Pete Hegseth at the Pentagon, on July 18, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)
Israeli Security Minister Israel Katz has clashed with the IOF Chief of Staff, Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir, over a series of senior military appointments, deepening tensions between the political and military leadership in "Israel."
Katz criticized Zamir for holding discussions to appoint and reshuffle senior IOF positions, including seven division commanders and new heads of the Armored and Engineering Corps, without what Katz said was proper consultation or coordination. That said, current protocols require the security minister’s approval for senior IOF posts, including any position with the rank of brigadier general.
Sources close to Katz said the security minister would not approve the appointments, which were announced publicly by the IOF despite his objections. According to Israeli military sources, Katz is seeking to establish a precedent similar to that of Police Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir regarding senior police appointments.
Katz’s office issued a statement asserting that Zamir’s actions went against “established procedure” and that all such appointments must be coordinated in advance. In turn, the IOF Spokesperson’s Unit responded that the listed appointments, many involving officers who commanded in Gaza since the outbreak of the war, were conditional on Katz’s approval but fell under the chief of staff’s sole authority before being forwarded to the minister.
Broader rift between the Zionist leadership and military command
The dispute comes just days after Zamir clashed with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over a proposed full military takeover of Gaza City. In a 10-hour war cabinet meeting in early August, Zamir reportedly warned that the plan was a "trap" that could endanger the remaining captives held by the Palestinian resistance, require mobilizing 200,000 reservists, and overextend the IOF’s already strained resources.
He argued that the occupation army lacked the civilian infrastructure to control Gaza’s population, including the need to establish hospitals and provide humanitarian aid. Despite his reservations, Zamir later told officers in Gaza that the occupation army would carry out the operation “in the best possible way” after Netanyahu ordered him to prepare for it.
A recent meeting of the Israeli security cabinet turned highly tense during discussions on military plans for the #Gaza Strip, #CNN reported Friday, citing an Israeli official.
— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) August 9, 2025
The exchange reflected deep internal divisions over the course of the Israeli war on Gaza and sharp… pic.twitter.com/yjBO8rJbz1
Following reports of Zamir's opposition to the occupation of Gaza City, Yair Netanyahu, Benjamin Netanyahu's son, accused Zamir on social media of staging a "military coup." Katz, however, publicly defended Zamir’s right to voice his professional opinion, a rare show of support amid political criticism.
Proposed senior appointments
Among Zamir’s proposed changes is Brig.-Gen. Barak Hiram, current commander of the IOF’s 99th Division, is set to head the Operations Division of the IOF Operations Directorate. He also appointed new commanders for the 98th, 36th, 210th, 99th, 146th, 143rd, and 252nd Divisions. In addition to new leadership for the IOF Armored Corps and Engineering Corps, alongside other senior operational posts.
Israeli opposition leader MK Yair Lapid criticized the handling of the situation, saying: "In this insane government, even a basic event like appointing officers in the IDF doesn’t pass without leaks, arguments, slander, and late-night statements."
