Defense Minister Yisrael Katz sparked a public dispute with Israel’s new Chief of Staff, Eyal Zamir, after he protested the decision to summon Brigadier General (res.) Oren Solomon for questioning by the IDF’s Military Intelligence Service (MPI). The questioning follows a probe into allegations of serious information security violations, which, according to a Channel 14 report, may be linked to Solomon’s investigation into the October 7 massacre.
Katz’s protests centered around the claim that Solomon’s questioning was politically motivated, as the officer had criticized senior military officials in his investigation into the Southern Command's failure during the October 7 attack. In response, Zamir issued a strong statement rejecting the allegations: "The claim that the officer was being questioned for his part in the October 7 investigations is false and devoid of any foundation.”
Solomon’s Investigation and Subsequent Probe
Katz's concerns were raised after a report from Channel 14 detailed the investigation into Solomon, which allegedly uncovered information security violations that occurred during the war. Katz emphasized that Solomon had conducted the inquiry into the Southern Command’s failures with full authority, questioning the necessity of questioning an officer who had critically assessed the senior military echelon. Katz stated, “The fact that Brigadier General Solomon is being investigated is puzzling. I intend to demand that the Chief of Staff examine the conduct of the Military Prosecution Service in this matter.”
Solomon’s investigation into the October 7 massacre included significant criticism of the military’s senior command, raising questions about the command's preparedness and response. Katz also voiced concerns that the investigation was an attempt to silence internal criticism within the IDF, which he sees as vital for ensuring transparency and accountability in the wake of the attack.
Zamir Defends Investigation
Shortly after Katz’s statement, Chief of Staff Zamir issued his counter-response. He claimed the investigation into Solomon was unrelated to his October 7 inquiry but was due to “suspicions of serious information security violations.” Zamir further emphasized the IDF’s commitment to professionalism, saying the investigation would continue “by the law to clarify suspicions.”
Zamir also appeared to take issue with Katz’s handling of the situation, as he publicly distanced the IDF from any political motivations, stressing that the law enforcement agencies were operating independently and without outside influence.
Solomon, meanwhile, wrote to both the IDF and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu before his questioning, claiming that the investigation against him was retaliatory. In a letter, he alleged that he had encountered a system of power and rank designed to prevent the release of his findings on the October 7 massacre. He further noted that the investigation centered on suspicions of “transferring media or secret documents to unauthorized parties,” following a search of his home.
IDF Delays Katz’s Directive Amid Investigation
As the situation unfolded, it was confirmed that Katz’s directive to have Solomon present his findings to the Defense Ministry would not be implemented for the time being. The decision to delay the directive was made to avoid contaminating the ongoing MPI investigation. It was also clarified that the Chief Military Prosecutor, Yifat Tomer-Yerushalmi, operates independently of both the Defense Minister and the Chief of Staff.
Political Fallout: Tension Over Support for Shin Bet Head
Meanwhile, the political echelon has voiced its displeasure over the perceived quiet support expressed by Chief of Staff Zamir for Shin Bet head Ronen Bar, who is slated for dismissal. The IDF recently distributed joint operational photos of Bar and Zamir despite the controversy surrounding Bar’s potential removal. This has further fueled tensions between the political leadership and the military establishment.
The developments reflect deepening divisions within Israel’s defense and political spheres as the country faces mounting challenges both on the security front and within its military hierarchy.
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