The minister said the promotions occurred without his consent and demanded that future appointments be coordinated with him. The military affirmed that the IDF chief alone appoints commanders at the colonel rank and above. Opposition leader Yair Lapid said, 'This is not how you lead an army'
Defense Minister Israel Katz publicly challenged military promotions approved by IDF chief Eyal Zamir, setting up a new dispute between Israel's political and military leadership.
Katz's office issued a statement asserting that the promotions were decided upon without his coordination or consent, adding that Katz would not discuss or approve the published names and insisting Zamir coordinate with him on all future appointments.
In a direct response, the IDF published the list of promotions. The military's own statement said the IDF chief of staff has the sole authority to appoint commanders with the rank of colonel and above. It noted that while these decisions are made by the chief of staff, they are subsequently submitted to the defense minister for final approval.
Among the promotions is Brigadier General Barak Hiram, who is set to become head of the Operations Division. Hiram was at the center of controversy for his actions during the October 7 attack. As a commander, he ordered tank and shell fire on a house in Kibbutz Be'eri where 15 hostages were being held.
