Netanyahu considering firing war minister

Israel Hayom reported that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is reviewing the dismissal of war minister Israel Katz and the appointment of Gideon Sa’ar as his replacement.

The report comes amid growing friction between Katz and Eyal Zamir, the Chief of Staff of the Israeli army. Israeli media also reported that on Tuesday, Netanyahu held separate meetings with Katz and Zamir in an effort to reduce public tensions.

According to earlier reports, Netanyahu had initially intended to call both officials to a joint meeting but ultimately decided to meet them separately—first Katz, then Zamir. There is speculation that Katz may have declined to attend such a joint session.

The tensions escalated after Katz ordered a review of the army’s prior internal investigations into Israel’s failures during the October 7, 2023 attacks. On Monday, Katz and Zamir exchanged criticisms of one another.

Katz also decided to suspend senior military appointments for 30 days, prompting Zamir to accuse him of political interference and undermining the army’s readiness.