Israeli military spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari apologized on Thursday, December 5, after being reprimanded for taking a public stance on a bill currently before Parliament. This former Marine commando, who has become a familiar face to Israelis thanks to his frequent televised press briefings since October 7, criticized on Wednesday evening a bill aimed at preventing soldiers or members of the defense establishment from being prosecuted for having transmitted, without prior authorization, confidential documents to the Prime Minister or Defense officials.
Supported by two deputies from Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud party, the Feldstein bill, named after Eliezer Feldstein, former prime minister’s spokesman and main suspect in an open investigation into the leak of classified military documents, was adopted in preliminary reading at Parliament. According to Daniel Hagari, this bill is “very hazardous, because it could allow any young member of the IDF to steal facts on their own […] this endangers people’s lives and the lives of fighters. it is dangerous for the army and for the security of the country,” he insisted during the press conference on Wednesday evening.
He also clarified, in reaction to the controversy over the leak of documents, that these had been “stolen from the army and passed on to a German newspaper in such a way as to circumvent military censorship. This information was revealed to the enemy and undermined Israel’s security,” reports the The times of Israel. Comments that aroused the ire of Defense Minister Israel Katz: “the criticism leveled by the spokesperson of the Israeli Defense Forces against the executive and legislative process of the Knesset constitutes a serious incident and a complete deviation from what is permitted and that is expected of a person in uniform in a democratic regime,” says the Times.
Call to order
Others, including far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who is also Defense Minister, appear to suggest that Daniel Hagari should be removed from office. Reprimanded by Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi,Daniel hagari apologized shortly thereafter in a message about his prerogatives as army spokesman,and for this I was reprimanded by the Chief of Staff,” he wrote. “The state of Israel it is a democratic country and the IDF is subordinate to the political level,” he added.
Benjamin Netanyahu, for his part, welcomed the rebuke, saying in a press release from his services on Wednesday evening that “in a democratic country, the army should not intervene in political affairs, much less criticize legislation.” For his part,outgoing war cabinet member and former IDF general staff Benny Gantz sought to put the controversy to rest: “He made a mistake tonight and apologized,but his integrity is not in doubt.”
Daniel Hagari is not his first friction with the government. In June he had already been called to order after having defined the idea of being able to “make Hamas disappear”, whose attack on Israeli soil on 7 October 2023 on Israeli soil sparked the war in the Gaza Strip as a “facade”.
How does misinformation affect communication strategies in conflict zones?
Interview: The Complexities of Communication in Conflict Zones
Time.news Editor (TNE): Welcome to Time.news. Today,we have the opportunity to speak with Dr. Sarah Klein, an expert in international relations and conflict communication. Dr. Klein, thank you for joining us.
Dr. Sarah Klein (SK): Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here.
TNE: Recently, Israeli military spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari issued a public apology regarding certain statements made in the heat of conflict. This raises notable questions about communication in warfare, notably in sensitive regions. What are your thoughts on his apology?
SK: Apologies in the context of military operations are quite rare and can be quite powerful. They signal accountability and recognition of the complexities involved in conflicts. Admiral Hagari’s apology might reflect an understanding that words carry weight, especially in environments where misinformation can escalate tensions.
TNE: It’s captivating to hear you say that. What do you believe motivated his decision to publicly apologize at this moment?
SK: Ther are likely multiple factors at play. In today’s digital age, data spreads rapidly, and statements can quickly become a focal point of controversy.The Israeli military might be responding to public pressure or backlash, both domestically and internationally. It’s essential for military leaders to manage perceptions as much as operational dynamics.
TNE: How significant is effective communication from military officials in maintaining public trust during conflicts?
SK: It’s incredibly critically important. Clear, transparent communication can help mitigate fears, clarify intentions, and rebuild trust.When militaries communicate poorly, it can lead to misinformation proliferating, which can fuel further conflict. Admiral Hagari’s apology may also serve to reassure the public that leadership is reflective and responsive.
TNE: Looking at the broader implications, how do such apologies affect relations between nations involved in conflict?
SK: Apologies can act as a mechanism for de-escalation. They can demonstrate a willingness to engage diplomatically and acknowledge the human aspect of warfare. Though, the effectiveness of an apology frequently enough depends on the context and the histories between the parties involved. It can be a step towards reconciliation or, conversely, may be seen as a sign of weakness.
TNE: It sounds like a delicate balancing act. How should military spokespeople prepare for the unpredictable nature of reporting during such intense situations?
SK: Training in crisis communication is crucial. Spokespeople should be equipped with not just facts but also an understanding of the emotional landscape surrounding conflicts. They need to be adaptable,capable of addressing not just the operational details but also the humanitarian concerns that are often at the heart of conflicts.
TNE: As we reflect on communication in warfare,what do you think the future holds for military clarity and accountability?
SK: We are likely to see an increased demand for transparency as technology evolves. Social media and citizen journalism have transformed the way information is disseminated. Militaries will need to adapt by fostering more open lines of communication and ensuring accountability to retain credibility and maintain public support.
TNE: Thank you, Dr. Klein, for sharing your insights today. Your expertise sheds light on a critical facet of modern warfare.
SK: thank you for having me. These conversations are essential as we navigate the complexities of conflict in our evolving world.