Likud MK Osher Shekalim Criticizes IDF Chief for Overstepping Authority on Draft Law
תומצת מתוך Arutz Sheva על ידי baba
Likud MK Osher Shekalim criticized IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir for publicly intervening in the draft law, saying the military chief should not set policy or attack lawmakers. Shekalim called for Zamir to focus on military duties and communicate concerns privately with political leaders. He also addressed internal party disputes and highlighted the need for consensus on conscription.
הידיעה ב-6 שורות · תקציר של baba
- Likud MK Osher Shekalim condemns IDF Chief Eyal Zamir's public criticism of lawmakers.
- Shekalim says the military chief should focus on defense, not policymaking or legislation.
- He argues Zamir should communicate draft concerns privately to the Prime Minister.
- Shekalim rejects claims government ignores military warnings to protect political survival.
- He supports conscription reform through consensus including ultra-Orthodox acceptance.
- Shekalim opposes extensive reserved spots on Likud's party list but supports renewal.
Likud Member of Knesset Osher Shekalim sharply criticized IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir for sending a warning letter about a severe shortage of 17,000 soldiers in the Israel Defense Forces. Speaking on 103fm radio, Shekalim argued that Zamir's intervention in the draft law exceeds his authority and disrupts proper governance. He emphasized that the military chief should operate strictly within the military framework and communicate directly with the political echelon, stating, "The Chief of Staff should be soldier number one and nothing more. He is not a legislator and should not set policy."
Shekalim further said that Zamir should express concerns privately to the Prime Minister rather than publicly, warning that such public criticism of lawmakers undermines the chain of command. When asked if Zamir should be removed for his letter, Shekalim replied that while he holds great respect for Zamir, in a properly functioning system, a chief of staff who attacks legislators should not remain in office. He stressed the need for the military to focus solely on defense and leave policymaking to elected officials, especially in light of lessons from the October 7 attacks.
Rejecting claims that the government ignores Zamir's warnings to preserve political survival, Shekalim called such assertions "nonsense." He acknowledged the need for more soldiers and supports achieving conscription and equality through consensus and acceptance of the ultra-Orthodox community. He blamed confusion over roles between military and political leadership for the failures on October 7, saying the military wrongly assumed it was running the country.
Shekalim also commented on internal Likud disputes over reserved spots on the party list, supporting renewal but opposing the large number of reserved slots. Reflecting on his recent Knesset term, he noted he is considered a trusted ally of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and has submitted about 50 bills, with four becoming law. He concluded by emphasizing the importance of elected officials being responsive to the public rather than focusing on personal prominence.
אותו אירוע, כפי שכל מערכת דיווחה עליו בנפרד. פתחו כמה דיווחים כדי להשוות מה כל מערכת מדגישה, ומה היא משאירה בחוץ.
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