Hitting back at Katz, Zamir says military appointments were carried out according to protocol

IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir hits back at Defense Minister Israel Katz for accusing the military chief of not coordinating a meeting on senior appointments with him earlier this evening.

The IDF says that contrary to Katz’s claims, the “staffing discussion was scheduled in advance, in accordance with regulations.”

“The chief of staff is the sole authority under regulations for appointing commanders at the rank of colonel and above in the IDF. The chief of staff holds an orderly staffing discussion with the participation of the General Staff forum,” the military says in a statement.

“The chief of staff decides on the appointments, after which the appointment goes to the [defense] minister for approval, who may approve or not approve the appointment,” the IDF adds.

Despite Katz saying that he would not be approving the promotions because Zamir held a discussion on the matter “without prior coordination and agreement,” the IDF announced the list of officers who are to be promoted.

Normally, senior appointments are brought to Katz for approval following internal IDF meetings on the matter.