IDF officer calls Katz’s blocking of his promotion a ‘political decision, not a professional one’

Col. (res.) German Giltman slams Defense Minister Katz’s decision to block his promotion and appointment to a senior role in the IDF as a “political decision, not a professional one.”

In a message to officers in the 162nd Division, where Giltman has served for more than 700 days in reserves, he writes that he will remain in his current reservist role.

“The entire General Staff Forum expressed full support for my candidacy, but unfortunately, Minister Katz decided to disqualify the appointment. This is a political decision, not a professional one, and that is how it should be regarded,” Giltman says in the message, published in full by Army Radio.

Giltman, who retired from the IDF in 2022, was set to be promoted to brigadier general and return to the military to serve in a senior role in the Ground Forces. But Katz said he would not approve the promotion, citing Giltman’s apparent involvement in the Brother in Arms protest group, which he denies.

“I have never called for refusal to serve or for non-volunteering, and I denounce such calls. Throughout my adult life, from my regular service to my reserve duty, I have served the state with pride,” Giltman writes.

“In light of the uproar, and out of a desire to keep the IDF clean [of politics], I agreed to withdraw my candidacy for the position in question, but I’m not going anywhere,” he says.

“After much thought, I have decided to continue serving as the division chief of staff. It is important to me to remain above politics. We have a heavy responsibility on our shoulders, and this country has only one army,” Giltman adds.