PM: Former security chiefs who criticize government are bitter leftists, their rhetoric is ‘illegitimate’

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu assails former security chiefs who are critical of him as bitter leftists.

The comments come in response to an i24 correspondent’s question about the veracity of reports that there are tensions between Netanyahu’s government and IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, who has reportedly criticized the government’s plan to take over Gaza City.

The premier says he welcomes disagreements within the cabinet but that the final word is his. “I don’t think I need to elaborate and take it outside,” he says.

Turning to the “propaganda” of former security chiefs, Netanyahu says: “They’re all from the left, they all joined Kaplan,” referring to the Tel Aviv road that was the focus of anti-government protests throughout 2023.

“They’re all completely political, and a lot of them are very bitter.”

Many of the former security officials who have spoken out against him, including former IDF chief and defense minister Moshe Ya’alon, were appointed by and served under Netanyahu himself.

The premier tells i24 that the comments from these security officials are later cited by European leaders who use them to criticize Israel.

“So it’s certainly illegitimate and does a lot of damage to the State of Israel,” he says.