ALBAWABA - Following right-wing criticism, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu looks to be poised to fire Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi. Netanyahu ousted Defense Minister Yoav Gallant earlier this year.
Netanyahu denied security document leaks from his office in a Saturday broadcast address, calling the situation a “political smear campaign” against him and his allies.
The Prime Minister claimed security officials withheld vital information for political reasons. Netanyahu defended his spokesperson, Eliezer Feldstein, for leaking a fake document alleging a Hamas escape scheme, calling it a coordinated attack on his political base.
Halevi's recommendations to change Gaza military operations have sparked right-wing criticism and media coverage over the past year. Right-wing newspapers like Mida have accused Halevi of undermining government goals by supporting a Hamas hostage deal and opposing extended military battles.
According Israeli reports, Halevi and Netanyahu have had issues since the war began. Offensive efforts were delayed due to military strategy disagreements, particularly Halevi's preference for limited ground operations instead of a full-scale invasion of Gaza.
Hostage discussions have strained Halevi-Netanyahu relations. In April, Halevi advocated a hostage agreement in a speech, but Netanyahu refused, citing “red lines.” Halevi reportedly blamed the administration for unnecessary Jabalia casualties in military operations.
The transitional administration of Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid nominated Halevi Chief of Staff in September 2022. Halevi has been seen as an outsider by some in the administration since Netanyahu's return.
Right-wing critics call Halevi a “rebellious Chief of Staff,” saying his leadership style conflicts with the government's war strategy. Mida says, “It’s not too late to correct this mistake. A defiant Chief of Staff cannot win wars for Israel.”
