August 13, 2025 | 01:56 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Israeli Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir was denied access to Defense Minister Israel Katz's office on Monday night, despite a scheduled meeting between them, as reported by local media on Tuesday.
Public broadcaster KAN, as cited by Anadolu, quoted military sources saying Zamir arrived for a prearranged meeting but was informed that Katz was busy.
The minister's office claimed that Zamir's office had been informed that Katz would not be present, yet Zamir still showed up.
On Monday night, Zamir held discussions on the appointment of major generals in the military, but Katz's office announced its refusal to approve them. However, the Israeli army later issued a list of the new appointments.
According to Al Arabiya, tension escalated between Zamir and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's cabinet regarding plans to fully occupy the Gaza Strip.
Israel's Defense Minister stated that they reprimanded the military chief for appointments made without their approval, amid rising tensions between the military and the executive ahead of the plan to expand the war in Gaza.
A statement from Katz said that the discussions conducted by Eyal Zamir about the military appointments "took place... without prior coordination or agreement" with the minister.
The statement added that this was "in violation of accepted procedure," and therefore, Katz "does not intend to discuss or approve any of the appointments or names that were published."
In a military statement issued shortly after, Zamir responded that he is "the sole authority authorized to appoint officers from the rank of colonel upwards."
"The chief of staff makes the appointment decisions – after which the appointment is brought to the minister for approval," the statement added.
Tensions have been escalating for two weeks between the chief of staff and the government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding the next steps in the military operation in Gaza, aimed at freeing remaining hostages and defeating Hamas.
Israeli media reported that Zamir opposed the plan approved by the security cabinet on Friday to seize control of the densely populated Gaza City.
Israeli media reported that Zamir favored encircling the largest city in Gaza, rather than conquering it.
The Israeli army controls about 75 percent of the devastated Palestinian territory after a 22-month war, which resulted in over 61,500 Palestinian casualties, mostly women and children.
Zamir, appointed in March after his predecessor was dismissed, said last week that he would continue to convey the military's position "without fear, in a pragmatic, independent, and professional manner."
Meanwhile, Katz said the military chief could "express his views," but ultimately the military must "execute" any government decisions regarding Gaza.
Editor's Choice: Norway's Wealth Fund Divests from 11 Israeli Companies Amid Gaza War
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Indonesian House Speaker Urges Concrete UN Measures to End Gaza Crisis
1 jam lalu
In the letter, the Indonesian House Speaker referenced the most recent reports from United Nations agencies regarding the Gaza crisis.
Indonesia Sends Urgent Food Aid Amid Growing Starvation in Gaza
6 jam lalu
On August 9, 2025, Israeli forces killed 47 people in Gaza, while 11 Palestinians died of starvation, the Gaza Health Ministry reported.
5 Israeli Actions That Spark Global Outrage and Shift Ally Support
14 jam lalu
The world denounces Israel for its inhumane actions, including forced displacement and the killing of journalists in Gaza.
Activist Urges Prabowo to Raise Gaza Evacuation Target to 10,000 People
18 jam lalu
Humanitarian activist Abdillah Onim urged President Prabowo to expand the Gaza refugee evacuation plan to 10,000 for treatment in Indonesia.
Ex-Israeli Soldiers Managing Bali Villas Hold German Passports
19 jam lalu
The Indonesian Immigration Ministry is investigating two former IDF soldiers, allegedly managing villas in Bali, who hold German passports.
Grok Briefly Suspended on X After Gaza Comments, Elon Musk Cites Error
20 jam lalu
Grok's suspension is linked to its comments on the Israeli genocide in Gaza.
Norway's Wealth Fund Divests from 11 Israeli Companies Amid Gaza War
20 jam lalu
The entire investment of Norway's Wealth Fund in Israeli companies is being reviewed. Investments in 11 Israeli companies have been withdrawn.
Madonna Urges Pope Leo XIV to Act on Gaza Crisis Before It's Too Late
21 jam lalu
Legendary singer Madonna issues a heartfelt appeal to Pope Leo XIV amid deadly attacks and blockade in Gaza by Israel.
Lebanon's Plan to Disarm Hezbollah Draws Condemnation and Support
1 hari lalu
The government's decision to disarm militant groups in Lebanon, including Hezbollah, has drawn both domestic support and rejection.
India-US Ties: Grey Clouds in Late Spring
1 hari lalu
Trump's bullying of India is to compel it to fall in line with American imperial goals. However, this is unlikely to be in India's interest.
