Defense Minister Katz Slams Eisenkot's Speech as 'Embarrassing' and 'Undemocratic'
Translated & summarized from Ynet by baba
Defense Minister Israel Katz denounced a speech by Yisrael Beiteinu Chairman Gadi Eisenkot as "embarrassing" and "undemocratic." Eisenkot had urged security officials to stand firm and assured them of his backing. Katz accused Eisenkot of making an undemocratic statement and continuing a false campaign about military-political conflicts. The exchange occurs amid reported tensions between Prime Minister Netanyahu and IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Defense Minister Israel Katz called Gadi Eisenkot's speech "embarrassing" and "undemocratic."
- Eisenkot urged security officials to serve only Israeli citizens and offered them his backing.
- Katz accused Eisenkot of making an undemocratic statement and spreading false campaign narratives.
- Eisenkot had called Prime Minister Netanyahu a "transitional prime minister" and warned him against using security for politics.
- The exchange occurred amid reported tensions between Netanyahu and IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir.
Defense Minister Israel Katz on Wednesday sharply criticized a speech given by Gadi Eisenkot, Chairman of Yisrael Beiteinu, calling it "embarrassing" and "undemocratic." Eisenkot, a former IDF Chief of Staff, had addressed heads of the security and public service sectors shortly after election exit polls were released. He urged them to "remember that you serve the kingdom and the interests of the citizens of Israel only. Stand strong and firm against any attempt to challenge you. You have my clear backing."
Katz contended that Eisenkot's appeal to senior security officials not to obey directives from the Prime Minister and authorized security forums, stating they had his backing, was an "undemocratic and detached statement." He further accused Eisenkot and his colleagues of continuing a "false campaign" during the elections regarding alleged conflicts between the military and political echelons concerning Iran. Katz asserted that the IDF was a full partner in achievements against Iran and continues to participate in all discussions, promising to fulfill any required decisions.
Eisenkot's speech also included remarks directed at Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whom he called a "transitional prime minister without a mandate or trust." He warned Netanyahu, "Don't dare to use Israel's security for your political needs." These statements were made against a backdrop of reported tensions between Netanyahu and IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, which reportedly peaked before the elections. Some political sources speculated that Zamir might not remain in his position if Netanyahu won, though the Prime Minister's office denied these reports as "complete fake news."
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