Political Commentator Barugo Criticizes IDF Chief Zamir Over Lebanon Incident Briefings

Political commentator Yaakov Barugo sharply criticized IDF Chief of Staff Aviv Kochavi on Channel 14 following the recent incident in southern Lebanon. The criticism came after the death of Israeli soldiers in a booby-trapped building explosion, where it was reported that the military wanted a stronger response but was restrained by the political leadership. Barugo condemned the Chief of Staff and his spokesperson for briefing against the political echelon, calling it inappropriate and harmful.

Barugo stated that from early evening, even before the incident was officially cleared for publication, the General Staff and the Chief of Staff were briefing that the political leadership was holding back military action. He urged Defense Minister and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to put an end to these briefings, describing the conduct as systematic and politically motivated, neglecting military duties and unfairly blaming the political leadership.

He further remarked that if it were not an election period, Kochavi would have deserved a severe reprimand for his actions. Barugo emphasized the gravity of the situation, noting that the Chief of Staff was briefing against the political echelon despite knowing the names of the fallen soldiers, calling this behavior reckless and unacceptable on such a difficult day for Israel.