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Wednesday, August 13, 2025
Ben Gvir urges Netanyahu to axe IDF chief amid spat with Katz
Add ToI as a Preferred Source on GoogleAriela Karmel is a political correspondent at The Times of Israel. She previously reported for Calcalist and Haaretz. She holds an MA in Middle Eastern and African History from Tel Aviv University and a BA in Political Science from the University of British Columbia.
National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir says Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu should replace IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir if the military leader does not immediately dismiss his advisers.
“When you see the people closest to the chief of staff, it’s clear why he’s digging his heels in against our plan to occupy Gaza,” Ben Gvir says in a statement, adding that Zamir is surrounded by figures who favor “surrender.”
“If [Zamir] does not immediately announce that he is replacing his far-left political inner circle, I call on the prime minister to replace him immediately with a candidate who strives for victory, not one who, with his advisers, is working to undermine the political leadership,” he continues.
Ben Gvir’s remarks follow a Kan broadcaster report last night identifying Zamir’s “inner circle” as a group of former senior officials, including ex-chief of staff Gabi Ashkenazi, former head of the IDF’s Operations Directorate Israel Ziv, and ex-IDF spokesman Avi Benayahu, all of whom have been critical of the government. Benayahu has denied consulting with Zamir.
The Times of Israel Community.