At a high-profile change-of-command ceremony, IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir stressed the need for unity between military and political leadership, even as tensions with the Defense Minister escalate over Gaza war strategy and senior appointments.
IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir delivered a pointed message on Thursday evening during the change of command ceremony at Israel’s military colleges, addressing the nation’s ongoing war against Hamas — and the need for cohesion between political and military leadership.
“Victory on the battlefield does not depend solely on military strength, but also on cohesion between the two echelons… At the center of this cohesion is trust. With trust comes strength,” Zamir said. “Only when they operate in harmony can we march forward, break the enemy, win, and secure the future of the state.”
Gaza City Seizure at the Center of Dispute
Zamir reiterated that the offensive in the Gaza Strip aims to collapse Hamas’s military and governing capabilities, declaring the campaign will end only when Israel’s security and future are assured.
Earlier in the day, Zamir met with Energy Minister Eli Cohen and other senior officials — including Defense Ministry Director-General Amir Baram and top IDF commanders — to discuss the cabinet’s decision to seize Gaza City. The meeting marked the first encounter between Zamir and Cohen since their publicly reported clash over brigadier-general appointments.
Following the meeting, Cohen pledged:
“Israel is determined to defeat Hamas, free all hostages, and end the war… We will act as a single fist until the mission is completed.”
Behind the Scenes: Mounting Friction
The tensions trace back to multiple flashpoints:
- Appointment Dispute: Zamir’s list of brigadier-general promotions has yet to receive ministerial approval.
- Gaza City Maneuver: The cabinet approved the operation against the IDF’s recommendation, with the military warning of heightened danger to hostages.
Two days ago, the standoff deepened when Zamir arrived at the Defense Minister’s office for a scheduled appointment approval meeting — only to be blocked by the minister’s secretary. The IDF insists the meeting was pre-arranged, while the minister’s office claims Zamir was informed in advance that the minister was unavailable.
A Fragile Truce Before the Next Move
Both sides have since signaled a willingness to resolve the crisis quickly, citing the need for operational unity before the next major maneuver in Gaza. For now, the battle for cohesion continues behind closed doors, even as the battle against Hamas rages on the ground.
