IDF chief slams Likud MK’s claim that officer prioritizes Palestinians over Israelis

IDF chief Herzi Halevi comes out against a lawmaker from the ruling Likud party for accusing the military’s top officer in the West Bank of putting Palestinians before Israelis.

In an interview earlier today with the Kan public broadcaster, MK Avichai Boaron charged that for the head of Central Command, Maj. Gen. Yehuda Fox, “allowing movement rights for Palestinians is more important than hermetically protecting Israelis.”

Responding to Boaron, the military puts out a statement saying Halevi “forcefully condemns” his remark and expresses support for Fox, calling him an “ethical and excellent” commander.

“Under his command, IDF commanders and soldiers work night and day to ensure the security of residents of the Judea and Samaria area,” the statement says, using the West Bank’s biblical names.

“Any comment that casts doubt on the judgment of the general and his commitment to the security of Israeli citizens is deserving of all condemnation and has no merit,” it adds.

Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, a member of Likud, also expresses support for Fox, who he says “dedicates his life to defending Israel.”

“I strongly denounce the baseless attacks on him by irresponsible political figures,” Gallant tweets, without naming Boaron. “Any attack on IDF officers by a public officer undermines Israel’s security.”