Retired General Defends Golan, Criticizes Narrative War
Retired Major General Yisrael Ziv has strongly criticized what he termed a "narrative war" targeting former IDF Chief of Staff Yair Golan and other senior figures who went to the Gaza border region on October 7th. Speaking on 103fm radio, Ziv argued that these attacks are an attempt to discredit individuals who took responsibility and acted on the ground during the Hamas assault.
Ziv asserted that the debate is not about "despicable lies" spread by figures like Sara Netanyahu, but rather a more profound conflict over the national ethos. He contrasted the approach of those like Golan, who he said "went down and took responsibility," with those who seek to "blacken" them, implying these critics avoided accountability themselves. Ziv recounted his own experience, stating he was cycling when he saw the horrific images from Sderot on October 7th and felt compelled to go to the area, emphasizing he did not receive a specific order.
He believes the attempts to attack him, Golan, and retired Major General Noam Tibon reflect a broader struggle. "Their way is to blacken me, Yair Golan, Noam Tibon. This is the difference between the ethos that built the country and the one that is destroying it," Ziv stated, expressing dismay at how people would "sell everything" to escape responsibility, calling it a betrayal of those who acted.
Regarding Defense Minister Israel Katz's warning of a potential Iranian attack during the High Holidays, Ziv dismissed it as a method to "remove responsibility," suggesting it serves only to allow the minister to claim foresight if an incident occurs. Despite the warnings, Ziv does not anticipate a new conflict erupting soon, citing a tweet from Donald Trump as a calming factor and suggesting there might be an interest in creating such an atmosphere.
Ziv also praised the current US policy towards Iran, describing the economic sanctions as "very effective" and the military actions in the Strait of Hormuz as "exceptional" and flexible. He believes this policy can be sustained, hoping Iran will be the first to break. He concluded that no one needs to change their plans for the immediate future.
