Israel’s former army chief denies far-right government
JERUSALEM (AP) — Israel’s outgoing army chief on Friday warned against plans by Benjamin Netanyahu’s new coalition to grant more control to pro-settler lawmakers and make other changes to the Israeli security establishment, joining a loud chorus of criticism against the most right-wing government in the country’s history.
In interviews with Israeli media outlets, Lt. General Aviv Kochavi was unusually critical of Netanyahu’s coalition agreements that he had made with hard-line Jewish settler activists. These activists seek to establish Israeli rule in the West Bank, restructure Defense Ministry, and control a special paramilitary force.
“This is likely to cause damage and adversely affect our preparedness for war,” Kochavi told the Israeli news site Ynet.
The coalition agreements have not been concluded. sparked furor from many segments of Israeli societyKochavi’s concerns are of great importance. Among Jewish Israelis, the military is considered an emblem of stability and one of the country’s most trusted institutions.
Kochavi expressed concern over the plans of the coalition for three sources of authority to be established in the West Bank. Netanyahu gave Bezalel Shmotrich, his right-wing Finance Minister, control of an Israeli military body that regulates the planning for Israeli settlements and Palestinian construction within West Bank areas under Israeli civilian control.
Smotrich supports the annexation in full of West Bank parts that the Palestinians desire for their desired independent state.
“There cannot be two commanding authorities (in the West Bank),” Kochavi said. “The separation between us is not good and may cause damage and lead to a worse situation for all populations.”
Israel captured the West Bank in 1967 along with the Gaza Strip and east Jerusalem — territory the Palestinians seek for a future state. Israel has built dozens of Jewish settlements that house approximately 500,000 Israelis and 2.5 million Palestinians. Most of the international community considers Israel’s West Bank settlements illegal and an obstacle to peace with the Palestinians.
Another move that Kochavi fears could undermine the army’s chain of command in the West Bank stems from Netanyahu’s agreement with Itamar Ben-Gvir, a right-wing lawmaker whose his views were so extreme that the army banned him from compulsory military service.
As national security minister, Ben-Gvir The paramilitary border patrol, previously under the control of the Israeli military, is now being overseen by the current commander.
“The excellent work done by the border police in Judea, Samaria is exemplary and I hope that it continues as it is today.” The chain of authority must be maintained,” Kochavi said, referring to the West Bank by its biblical name.
Kochavi also stated in interviews that he called Netanyahu twice, warning him about the grave consequences of the alliance’s actions for the cohesion the defense establishment.
Netanyahu has sought to assure the public — as well as the U.S. and Israel’s European and Arab allies — that he has veto power over any changes that the far-right ministers make. However, critics claim he has failed to rein in his coalition partners.
Kochavi was the chief of staff for nearly four years. set to hand over the reins to Maj. Gen. Herzi Halevi Next week.