A dispute has erupted between Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir over the appointment of the next head of the Civil Administration. According to a report, Smotrich's associates warned that if Zamir continues to 'play political games' they would freeze budgets. Meanwhile, Zamir and Defense Minister Israel Katz agreed to temporarily transfer the Civil Administration's powers to COGAT commander Yoram Halevy until a permanent appointment, which is unlikely before the next elections.
The appointment of the next head of the Civil Administration has become a flashpoint between Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir. According to a report, the tensions stem from Zamir's decision to delay a permanent appointment for the sensitive role, which is currently held by Brig. Gen. Hisham Ibrahim, who is expected to finish his term in the coming days.
Smotrich's associates issued a blunt warning, stating that if the chief of staff continues to 'play political games,' they will freeze budgets allocated to the military. The threat underscores the political significance of the appointment, which is governed by coalition agreements giving Smotrich and Defense Minister Israel Katz decisive influence.
In response, Zamir and Katz have agreed to temporarily transfer the Civil Administration's powers to COGAT commander Yoram Halevy, pending a permanent appointment. The report suggests that a permanent appointment is unlikely to occur before the next general elections.
The Civil Administration is the Israeli military body that manages civilian affairs in Judea and Samaria. The dispute reflects ongoing tensions between the political echelon and the military leadership over appointments in the West Bank.
2 developments
- StrongSmotrich attacks IDF chief over reported refusal to meet, accuses him of joining 'witch hunt'
- DevelopingCabinet source: IDF chief taking part in 'political game' during elections
- DevelopingFinance Minister Smotrich tells Oded Harosh he considered resigning after October 7
- DevelopingBen Gvir tells advisers to cut off talks with Smotrich, Feiglin, Zehut party
Source and signal
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- Internal intake