Israeli Defense Minister Blocks IDF Chief’s Senior Command Appointments Amid Protocol Dispute

Defense Minister Israel Katz has refused to approve a recent round of senior Israeli military appointments announced by IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, citing a lack of prior coordination and violation of established protocol. Katz emphasized that such appointments require prior discussion and agreement with the defense minister before proceeding, and he intends to review the promotions carefully, especially those involving officers on the Gaza front who have not completed the standard tenure. The IDF maintains that the internal process was properly scheduled and that the chief of staff holds authority to propose appointments, which require final ministerial approval. Katz has linked approval of these promotions to the ongoing mission to defeat Hamas and the release of hostages, noting that command resources must be focused on this urgent task and that scrutiny of officers involved in past events will continue. This dispute follows a similar incident in December 2024 when Katz blocked promotions pending investigations into the October 7 attacks. Despite Katz's objections, Zamir proceeded with the announcement of appointments for officers who led operations across multiple fronts, underscoring tensions between military leadership and the defense ministry over authority and procedure.