In rare critique, IDF slams right-wing pundit for claiming military chief wants Hamas to rule Gaza

The IDF Spokesman’s Office issues a rare critique of a commentator for suggesting that the army chief of staff supports the Hamas terror group ruling the Gaza Strip following the end of the war.
In a statement, the IDF says the claim by the right-wing Channel 14 pundit Yaakov Bardugo that IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi supports leaving Hamas in power in Gaza “is a complete lie and has no basis.”
The statement notes that Halevi has repeatedly stated that Hamas cannot continue to rule in the Strip. Nevertheless, it adds, such a policy decision is made not by the military but by the government, and the IDF merely carries out orders.
The “claims” circulated by Bardugo suggesting otherwise are “a complete lie and an attempt to harm the IDF.”