Ex-IDF Chief Halevi Proposed Dismissing Reserve Soldiers, Netanyahu Refused

Former IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi revealed that he proposed dismissing reservists who refused to report for duty, but Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected the idea, stating it would cause a larger wave of refusal. Halevi made these statements in recent weeks during a meeting with bereaved families. He explained that after the Knesset approved a law to void the reasonableness standard, he warned Netanyahu that Israel was in a "danger zone." Halevi requested that Netanyahu issue a positive statement towards the reservists and ask ministers to stop attacking them, but the Prime Minister refused.

Halevi also stated that Netanyahu publicly criticized him and the army's handling of matters, but spoke differently in private. "From the podium, the Prime Minister spoke against me and against the army and our handling, but in the room, he spoke completely differently," Halevi claimed. He recounted asking Netanyahu if he wanted him to dismiss all the refusers, to which Netanyahu responded emphatically, "Absolutely not! It will bring a bigger wave, don't do it."

The meeting with the bereaved families, who sought answers regarding the events of October 7th as no state inquiry commission had yet been established, was attended by a small group. Halevi's remarks were first reported by "Weekend News" on Saturday. Neither the Prime Minister's office nor Halevi's representatives chose to comment on the report.