Title: MK Tali Gottlieb Sparks Controversy with Defense Officials Once Again
Publication Date: August 16, 2023
Written by: N12 News
Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu attempted to ease tensions between senior officials of the security establishment and the political level by releasing a joint statement with Defense Minister Galant, expressing full support for the Chief of Staff and officers. However, Knesset member Tali Gottlieb publicly voiced her opposition to the condemnation notice and launched another attack on Chief of Staff Halevi.
In a tweet directed at Prime Minister Netanyahu, Gottlieb questioned the need for an apology, stating, “What right does the government have to exist if we remain silent when the leadership of the IDF considered issuing a statement regarding the IDF’s competence in a way that would play into the hands of our enemies and seriously harm our national resilience?”
She further emphasized, “It is our duty to condemn with all our mouths! And to apologize? Just for the fact that the Chief of Staff remained in his position, the same Chief of Staff who in silence qualified refusals.” These remarks came just one day after the Prime Minister and the Minister of Defense commended their close collaboration and explicitly rejected any attacks on senior members of the security establishment.
Gottlieb attributed the allegation of a “message that would have played into the hands of our enemies” to the intention of the security establishment officials to independently address the situation. However, this claim was denied by the Shin Bet and Mossad, who reiterated their regular communication with the political level.
Gottlieb’s stance garnered support from Likud MK Avihai Bowron, who suggested that the Chief of Staff and defense establishment heads should call out hesitant military personnel and demand alignment or the alternative of managing without them.
Additionally, Minister Amsalem criticized senior security officials, accusing them of causing a “rebellion within the IDF” and highlighting the seriousness of this issue in a democratic country.
Minister Amsalem’s remarks triggered a wave of reactions and condemnations within the political system. Defense Minister Yoav Galant responded strongly, urging elected officials to refrain from attacking him and assuring them of his responsibility for the Chief of Staff and the Air Force.
While Prime Minister Netanyahu initially refrained from taking a stand, he eventually aligned himself with the defense officials and issued the joint statement expressing full support for the Chief of Staff and officers.
The ongoing controversy between the political level and security establishment officials underscores the delicate balance required in maintaining national security while allowing for public scrutiny and accountability within a democratic system.