‘Stop irresponsibly using the IDF for political gain,’ Gallant says after right-wing ministers bash army chief

After defending him during yesterday’s security cabinet meeting amid a verbal assault from right-wing ministers, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant issues a statement hailing IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi.

Gallant says he called Halevi in order to praise him and ask him to pass along to the soldiers of the IDF that he trusts them and supports them.

“The people of Israel won a brave and balanced chief of staff during a difficult war,” Gallant says.

“IDF soldiers are fighting for all the people of Israel, and I appeal to all members of the public to stop irresponsibly using the IDF and its commanders for political gain,” the defense minister adds.

Last night’s security cabinet meeting ended in a loud and angry dustup between ministers and military brass, as right-wing lawmakers cried foul over plans for the army to probe its own mistakes.