IDF Concerns Over New Defense Minister’s Loyalty to Netanyahu Amid Multifrontal War
The dismissal of Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has left senior IDF officials in shock. Amid a complex war on multiple fronts, the army is concerned about losing “their representative” in government deliberations, fearing that Yisrael Katz, Gallant’s replacement, will act as a “yes-man” for Prime Minister Netanyahu.
IDF officials are wary of Katz’s alignment with Netanyahu’s policies, which may include actions such as dismissing IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi. The abrupt leadership change during active combat operations has raised concerns about critical issues, such as security funding, ongoing military engagements in northern and southern regions, and decisions affecting military structure.
Gallant had approved measures to draft additional ultra-Orthodox soldiers into the IDF, a move opposed by Netanyahu’s coalition allies. His efforts included negotiating with religious leaders to ease the pressure on reservists, yet the ultra-Orthodox parties vetoed these attempts.
Gallant’s dismissal also complicates the IDF’s position on Gaza operations. Katz is expected to seek a “symbolic” ultra-Orthodox draft solution, possibly circumventing the Supreme Court’s recent ruling on military exemptions.
Concerns Over Military Strategy in Gaza
Gallant was a vocal advocate for a deal to recover hostages held by Hamas, clashing with coalition ministers like Smotrich and Ben Gvir, who opposed such negotiations. Netanyahu, prioritizing coalition stability, shifted military strategies that extended IDF control over a broad corridor in Gaza, potentially paving the way for further IDF presence in the strip.
Military officials fear that without Gallant’s counterbalance, Netanyahu’s allies may push for policies such as full military governance in Gaza, a move Gallant previously opposed due to its financial and diplomatic implications.
Budgetary Challenges and Military Funding
IDF leadership seeks increased defense funding to reinforce border defenses, retain key personnel, and expand strategic capabilities. Gallant’s ousting may disrupt ongoing budget negotiations, possibly leaving the IDF without essential resources during this critical period.
Northern Operations Unresolved
Initially, Gallant prioritized action against Hezbollah in the north, leveraging Israel’s international support. However, Netanyahu opted to focus on Gaza first, leaving a protracted conflict in the north. With a ceasefire uncertain, IDF officials express concerns about long-term engagement in Gaza.
Concerns of Political Influence in the IDF
The IDF has faced criticism from Netanyahu’s allies regarding the events of October 7. Gallant supported an independent inquiry, which Netanyahu opposed. Katz, however, is viewed as more likely to align with Netanyahu’s preferences, raising concerns about potential leadership changes that could impact the IDF’s independence.
Katz’s prior role as foreign minister was notably passive, with much of Israel’s diplomacy managed by Netanyahu’s confidant Ron Dermer. Katz’s loyalty to Netanyahu suggests he may not challenge government directives, potentially leading to significant shifts within the IDF’s top ranks.
الجيش الإسرائيلي يعرب عن قلقه من تعيين وزير دفاع جديد “تابع” لنتنياهو وسط حرب متعددة الجبهات
أثارت إقالة وزير الدفاع يوآف غالانت صدمة بين كبار ضباط الجيش الإسرائيلي. وسط حرب متعددة الجبهات، يخشى الجيش خسارة “ممثلهم” في مداولات الحكومة، قلقاً من أن يكون يسرائيل كاتس، الذي حل محل غالانت، “تابعاً” لرئيس الوزراء نتنياهو.
يشعر قادة الجيش بالقلق من ولاء كاتس لسياسات نتنياهو، والتي قد تشمل خطوات مثل إقالة رئيس الأركان هرتسي هليفي. جاءت هذه التغييرات في القيادة وسط عمليات قتالية نشطة، مما أثار مخاوف بشأن قضايا حيوية مثل تمويل الدفاع واستمرار العمليات العسكرية في الشمال والجنوب.
أيد غالانت اتخاذ تدابير لتجنيد المزيد من الجنود المتدينين في الجيش الإسرائيلي، وهو ما عارضته الأحزاب الدينية في الائتلاف الحكومي. شملت جهوده مفاوضات مع قيادات دينية لتخفيف الضغط على جنود الاحتياط، إلا أن أحزاب الائتلاف الدينية استخدمت الفيتو ضد هذه المحاولات.
