Netanyahu and Katz Reject Reports of Plans to Remove IDF Chief Zamir

Israel's prime minister and defense minister dismissed talk of replacing the military chief on Monday, one day before Knesset polls opened.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office called the reports "complete fake news from beginning to end." Defense Minister Israel Katz said claims of an intention to remove Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir were "a complete fabrication and an outright lie." Katz said the claims were part of a series of security-related assertions circulated over the previous 24 hours that he alleged were meant to damage Likud's election chances. He said he had personally recommended Zamir for the post and that their cooperation would continue. "We are working together for the security of the State of Israel, with unprecedented historic achievements, and that is how I intend to continue acting in the future," Katz said.

Netanyahu addressed the matter on X, writing: "More fake news from the panic-mongering Channels 12 and 13 on the eve of the elections: I do not intend to dismiss the chief of staff, and we will continue working together for Israel's security. I do intend to eliminate the Iranian nuclear threat once and for all."

The denials followed reports of strain between Netanyahu and Zamir over whether Israel might strike Iran. Channel 12 News reported Sunday evening that the two had clashed over the Iranian question. Defense officials said military decisions rest on professional grounds. The IDF Spokesperson's Unit said Monday the military was on high alert across all fronts and that its operations and guiding considerations draw solely on security, professional and national interests.

Katz also rejected claims of a rift between political and military leadership on Iran. He said coordination among the prime minister, the defense minister and the IDF was complete and that no Israeli attack on Iran was planned before the vote. Katz said Israel would respond forcefully if Iran attacks. Former IDF chief of staff Gadi Eisenkot, who chairs the Yashar Party, said Zamir would leave his post only when the law requires it. Polling stations are set to open Tuesday.