Reserve Brigadier General Calls to Fire IDF Chief Over Political Interference and Leadership Crisis
Reserve Brigadier General Professor Gabi Siboni sharply criticized the conduct of IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Aviv Kochavi, describing the current civil-military relations as a severe crisis. In an interview with Tal Meir on Channel 14, Siboni accused the military leadership of acting as a separate authority, detached from the government, and called for restoring full civilian control over the army. He condemned delays in military appointments due to "sensitive" political considerations, arguing that such interference undermines the war effort.
Siboni described the situation as an unprecedented breakdown in the hierarchy between Israel's political and military leadership, stating that the political echelon is weak and fails to assert its authority over the military. He said, "The conduct of the Chief of Staff is simply intolerable; he must be fired." He dismissed concerns about potential upheaval in the military command as "nonsense" and emphasized that mistakes in personnel selection are normal and can be corrected.
The discussion focused on a recent statement by the IDF spokesperson clarifying that Defense Minister Yoav Gallant's remarks were not coordinated with the Chief of Staff. Siboni criticized the very notion that the Defense Minister must coordinate with the military chief, asserting that the minister should set policy and issue orders without needing approval. He condemned the military's attitude as a denial of civilian authority, calling it a "catastrophe."
Siboni also accused the Chief of Staff of mixing political considerations into professional military decisions, particularly regarding the timing of appointments during a sensitive period. He urged the IDF to concentrate solely on operational goals, stating, "Your role is to eliminate the enemies and crush them until we remove all threats. What do you care if I appoint now or later?" The interview highlights deep tensions within Israel's defense establishment amid ongoing security challenges.
