Defense minister, IDF chief say they’ve ended feud over military appointments

Defense Minister Israel Katz and IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir announce that they have reached an understanding on the army’s appointment process, following tensions between the two earlier this month over a round of senior promotions.

In a joint statement, the two say they agree that the procedure for IDF appointments will continue to include prior consultation. They stress their commitment to full cooperation, maintaining command continuity, and bolstering the army’s ability to address security challenges.

“The appointment process in the IDF is a cornerstone of personnel management, and we will continue to do everything to advance it smoothly and professionally,” the statement reads.

Earlier this month, Katz had initially refused to approve a slate of promotions announced by Zamir — which included 14 officers raised to brigadier general and numerous other senior postings — saying the chief of staff had held a discussion on the matter “without prior coordination and agreement.”

Today’s statement did not refer directly to the candidates for promotion who were at the center of the dispute.