MK Tali Gottlieb Demands Dismissal of IDF Chief and Central Command Commander

MK Tali Gottlieb sharply criticized IDF Chief of Staff Aviv Kochavi in a Radio Galei Israel interview, calling for his dismissal. She accused Kochavi of being a serial leaker from the security cabinet and said he should have been fired long ago. Gottlieb stated she opposed his appointment from the start and condemned his public remarks about the political echelon as outrageous and disrespectful. She specifically referenced his leaked comment that the army would "collapse from within," saying such statements damage the reputation of ministers and undermine civilian leadership.

Gottlieb emphasized that the elected political leadership is responsible for running the country and issuing directives, not the military. She expressed disappointment in the military's conduct and called on Defense Minister Israel Katz to immediately remove Central Command Chief Major General Avi Blot. Gottlieb warned that repeated insubordination must be stopped decisively, reflecting her frustration after four years in office.

Her comments highlight ongoing tensions between some political figures and the military leadership amid broader debates over civil-military relations in Israel.