Shas Leader Aryeh Deri Accuses IDF Chief of Staff of Political Bias and Harm to Military

Aryeh Deri, chairman of the Shas party, delivered a sharp and unprecedented critique of IDF Chief of Staff Aviv Kochavi in an exclusive interview with Yishai Cohen on Kikar HaShabbat. The confrontation centers on Kochavi's recent warning letter to the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee opposing the controversial "Detention Law" proposed by Deri and others. Deri accused Kochavi of crossing a dangerous line by involving the military in political matters, claiming the chief of staff's actions were an attempt to aid the left-wing bloc during the election period.

Deri emphasized that the law was thoroughly vetted with senior military officials who confirmed that the detentions would not affect IDF recruitment. He criticized Kochavi for publicly opposing the legislation while remaining silent when the defense minister and prime minister supported it. Deri called Kochavi's behavior "a serious mistake" and said it inflicted significant damage on the IDF's reputation and unity.

The Shas leader argued that Kochavi's interventions were part of a broader campaign over the past two to three years aimed at halting judicial reform legislation. Deri warned that the precedent set by the chief of staff's political involvement would have heavy consequences for the military. The full interview is scheduled to air later on Kikar HaShabbat.

This dispute highlights growing tensions between political leaders pushing judicial reforms and the military establishment, which has expressed concerns about the potential impact on national security and civil-military relations.