'Complete fabrication': Netanyahu, Katz deny plans to fire IDF chief Zamir ahead of election

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office and Defense Minister Israel Katz both rejected recent reports alleging plans to dismiss IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir in the days leading up to the Knesset elections. Katz dismissed the claims as a "complete fabrication" and part of efforts to harm the Likud Party ahead of the Tuesday elections.

Katz stated that he had personally recommended Zamir for the position and affirmed that their cooperation would continue. Netanyahu's office also rejected the reports in a brief statement on X/Twitter, stating that the allegations were "complete fake news." Former IDF chief of staff Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of the Yashar Party, clarified that Zamir would only leave his position when the law requires, while Netanyahu would step down after the elections and formation of the next government.

The reports of tensions between Netanyahu and Zamir centered around a potential Israeli strike on Iran, with Channel 12 News reporting on a clash between the two over the issue earlier in the week. The IDF Spokesperson's Unit emphasized that military decisions were made based on security, professional, and national interests, and any portrayal of otherwise was misleading.