IDF chief suspects Netanyau, family of plotting to ouster him from office
*Says he was marked for opposing PM's planned full conquer of Gaza
Zamir allegedly claimed that Netanyahu’s family “marked him” after he opposed the prime minister’s plan to fully conquer Gaza.
Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir reportedly believes Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s family and close associates are working to remove him from his position.
According to Times of Israel, Zamir voiced these concerns during recent consultations with senior General Staff Forum members and figures outside the military, including former IDF chief of staff Gabi Ashkenazi.
Zamir allegedly claimed that Netanyahu’s family “marked him” after he opposed the prime minister’s plan to fully conquer Gaza.
The report further states that associates of Zamir suspect Defense Minister Israel Katz’s recent public criticism of the chief of staff—over the announcement of a new round of senior IDF appointments—was orchestrated by Netanyahu.
They say the prime minister perceives Zamir as “too independent” and is seeking greater control over military leadership.
A source involved in the consultations is quoted as saying, “The chief of staff understands exactly what’s happening and does not intend to hand over the military to Netanyahu and Katz.”
The same source drew parallels with Netanyahu’s treatment of the previous IDF chief, Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi, who also reportedly faced political pressure after opposing certain government policies.
“This is exactly what they did to Herzi to turn him into a lame duck in the military,” the source told Haaretz.
The alleged rift comes amid escalating tensions over Israel’s military strategy in Gaza and broader questions about civilian control of the armed forces during wartime.
Netanyahu, who in recent days has publicly described his mission as both “historic and spiritual” and aligned with the vision of “Greater Israel,” has not responded directly to the claims.
The Prime Minister’s Office and the IDF Spokesperson’s Unit have yet to issue official statements regarding Zamir’s reported concerns.
