Rift at the Top: Growing Tensions Between Defense Minister Katz and Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir

A deepening confrontation has emerged in recent weeks between Defense Minister Yisrael Katz and IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, driven not only by institutional disagreements but also by internal Likud politics and pressure from the Netanyahu family.

A key source of friction is the persistent campaign waged on social media by Yair Netanyahu, who continues to attack Zamir publicly from abroad. On his Telegram channel this week, Yair shared a post labeling Zamir “Runner 2,” echoing claims that the chief of staff is misaligned with the Prime Minister’s inner circle.

According to political insiders, Yair Netanyahu, with his mother Sara Netanyahu providing support behind the scenes, is actively pushing to remove Zamir. Their efforts intersect with Katz’s own political interests—interests shaped by the approaching Likud primaries and speculation about succession in a post-Netanyahu era.

Political Anxiety Ahead of Primaries

With early elections expected, Likud internal surveys show Katz trailing behind figures such as Amir Ohana, Tali Gottlieb, Moshe Saada and Boaz Bismuth. While the polls are not scientific, they have heightened tensions within the party’s top ranks.

Katz is said to believe that bolstering his standing requires asserting dominance over the military echelon, especially Zamir, whom he personally recommended to Prime Minister Netanyahu upon his appointment.

In recent months, Katz—often influenced by what sources describe as “poor strategic advice”—has repeatedly issued pointed criticisms of Zamir, frequently couched in arguments over authority and hierarchy:

“I am the Minister of Defense. I am the boss. You will not act without my approval.”

Observers describe Katz’s behavior as stemming from a crisis of confidence and concerns about political relevance, rather than substantive operational disagreements.

IDF Scrutiny Continues 

Meanwhile, the IDF, under Zamir, has undergone an intensive internal examination. Officers at all levels—from senior generals to battalion commanders—have faced inquiries, sanctions or dismissal for failures linked to October 7.

Every senior figure with operational responsibility on or before that day has been subject to review—from Defense Minister Yoav Gallant to field commanders.

However, critics argue that Katz’s public demands for “absolute accountability” ring hollow, given his own refusal to support a national inquiry and his ongoing attempts to shift blame to other institutions, including the Shin Bet, the Supreme Court, the protest movement, and the media.

A Look at Katz’s Ministerial Record

Katz’s performance in previous ministries has left a mixed legacy:

• As Transportation Minister, he oversaw infrastructure development and even referred to himself as “Herodus.”

• As Finance Minister, he played a central role in blocking a state budget—an act economists later described as damaging to Israel’s economy—in order to hinder Benny Gantz’s rotation to the premiership.

• As Foreign Minister, his tenure was widely criticized and often mocked internationally.

Now, as Defense Minister, Katz is viewed by critics as overreaching and underperforming simultaneously. His appointment was largely driven by political motives—most notably to advance an exemption law and to push out senior IDF figures. His efforts succeeded in removing Herzi Halevi and IDF Spokesperson Daniel Hagari, but his confrontations with Zamir have escalated beyond expectations.

Even Prime Minister Netanyahu, typically cautious with intra-party sensitivities, is reported to have recently rebuked Katz publicly—an unusual step reflecting rising frustration.

A Crisis Poised to Escalate

The result is a volatile mix of personality clashes, political ambitions, and strategic disagreements. As Katz’s internal political pressures grow, his frustration appears increasingly directed at the Chief of Staff—creating an unusually public rift at the top of Israel’s defense establishment.

Analysts warn that the confrontation, if left unchecked, could weaken strategic decision-making at a time when Israel faces sensitive military and diplomatic challenges on multiple fronts.