IDF southern chief rejects former deputy’s Gaza criticism

Maj. Gen. Sami Turgeman, head of the IDF’s Southern Command during the 2014 Gaza war, speaks out harshly against recent allegations made by his former deputy concerning the conflict.

Maj. Gen. (res.) Yom-Tov Samia, who served as Turgeman’s deputy during the conflict, has been a vocal critic of the army’s management of the 50-day war. On Sunday, he again derided the medals of honor that had been given out following the conflict and claimed he’d never been invited to any debriefings or any other meetings after the conflict, known as Operation Protective Edge.

“Today, in a foolish statement, there was an attempt to besmirch the medals of honor — two days before Remembrance Day,” Turgeman says in response to Samia’s comments.

To the casualties and recipients of the medals of honor, the general says: “I am proud of you, and shame on whoever comes to slander you.”

Turgeman, who left his position as head of the Southern Command in 2015, also refutes Samia’s accusation that he’d never been called in to take part in the post-war investigations.

“Everyone who was supposed to be invited, was invited. If someone says they weren’t, they’re choosing to not be accurate for their own reasons,” he says.

— Judah Ari Gross