Military sources told journalists Yair Kuzin and Yaron Avraham that Prime Minister Netanyahu commented in a forum that the Air Force commander's letter — meant to express appreciation and provide clarity on recent operations — was a mistake given the response it generated, and that the commander should have considered that. The sources did not specify which forum, but the context mirrors Tuesday's security cabinet discussion.
Military sources briefed journalists Yair Kuzin and Yaron Avraham on a comment Prime Minister Netanyahu made in a forum, responding to the fallout from a letter sent by Israel Air Force commander Maj.-Gen. Tomer Bar to his personnel. The letter, intended to express appreciation and clarify recent operational moves, reportedly stirred significant reaction. The sources said Netanyahu termed the letter a 'mistake' given the echoes it created, and stated that the commander should have weighed the public and diplomatic implications.
A previous report by Yaron Avraham on Tuesday evening detailed a security cabinet meeting in which Netanyahu rebuked IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Herzi Halevi over the same letter, calling it 'a mistake, a national blunder, and embarrassing in front of Trump,' per Channel 12. The current report adds the Prime Minister's reported assessment of the letter's content and intent, but does not specify whether the forum was the same cabinet session or a different one. The military sources spoke on condition of anonymity.
The letter by the Air Force commander appears to have generated internal military-political friction at a sensitive diplomatic moment. Further details on the specific forum and any response from the Air Force or the Prime Minister's Office are not yet available.
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