IDF Reservist Reinstated After Political Video Controversy Following Defense Minister Katz's Intervention
Newly revealed communications show how Defense Minister Israel Katz's spokesperson, Adir Dahan, engaged with reservist Ziv Barness after Barness claimed he was dismissed from his IDF unit due to political videos he posted online. Barness initially said he was informed his reserve service was terminated because of videos criticizing former IDF Chief Gadi Eisenkot. Following Barness's public complaints and calls for protests alongside pro-government activists, Dahan contacted the IDF to investigate and then urged Barness to post a video praising Katz's intervention to reinstate him and to help stop critical videos against Katz.
Barness complied, posting a video commending Katz for preventing his dismissal. Dahan also requested Barness to share the video widely on social media. However, shortly afterward, Barness was again removed from his unit after resuming political posts, prompting renewed tensions between him and Dahan. The IDF stated Barness's service was halted due to repeated political expressions despite warnings, emphasizing that all decisions were made solely by his commanders without external interference.
This case follows a report in Haaretz revealing that Katz's office intervened to reinstate Barness after his initial removal from Brigade 7. The IDF clarified that Barness was reinstated only after he committed to refrain from political statements violating military orders. The military reminded that soldiers are prohibited from public political expressions during service, with enforcement intensifying ahead of elections.
In response to the investigation, Dahan said Katz did not personally intervene but that he acted after Barness contacted him claiming unfair treatment. Dahan relayed the IDF's position to Barness and requested a corrective video following Barness's initial misleading claims. Barness described himself as a simple soldier and citizen and directed any complaints about Katz's office back to them.
