Katz defends IDF chief Zamir after Yair Netanyahu accuses him of leading a ‘military coup’

Defense Minister Israel Katz appears to hit back at Yair Netanyahu, the Miami-based son of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, after he accused IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir of being behind a “rebellion and attempted military coup.”

In the same post on X, Netanyahu appeared to blame Katz for the supposed “military coup,” noting that the defense minister had selected Zamir to head up the IDF.

The younger Netanyahu was reacting to reports that Zamir had clashed with the premier over the government’s incipient plan to fully occupy the Gaza Strip, as it would endanger the remaining hostages and further exhaust the military.

Katz, now appearing to respond to the premier’s firebrand son, says, “Yes, exactly as published, I recommended Eyal Zamir for the position of IDF chief of staff, and the prime minister and government approved my recommendation.”

He continues, defending his appointment and Zamir’s reputation: “I believed that at the crossroads the IDF was at, he was the most suitable candidate to build up and run the forces in the face of the many security challenges that lay ahead of us, due to his security outlook, his abilities, and his extensive experience.”

Noting Zamir’s achievements in the five months since he stepped into the role, Katz says that under his leadership, and the guidance of the political echelon, “the IDF is operating with strength and an offensive policy in Lebanon, Syria, the West Bank, Gaza , and in other arenas — and led us to an unprecedented and victorious attack against Iran.”

He addresses the younger Netanyahu’s primary complaint against Zamir — that he disagreed with the political leadership over the best approach for Gaza — saying that it is the IDF chief’s “right and duty to express his position in the appropriate forum” and then to carry out whatever decisions are made by Israel’s leaders, regardless of his own opinions, “as has been the case until now.”