'Know your place': Gotliv calls for IDF chief Zamir's dismissal after his criticism of draft law

Member of Knesset Tally Gotliv (Likud) has called for the dismissal of IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, citing his recent warning letter about a severe shortage of 17,000 soldiers. Gotliv sharply criticized Zamir's actions, accusing him of overstepping his bounds and entering the political sphere.

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Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, I suggest you know your place!! Know your place!! I am of course not threatening, because I have no authority in my hands. But your disgraceful letter from yesterday requires your dismissal.

"Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, I suggest you know your place!! Know your place!!" Gotliv wrote on X/Twitter. She argued that Zamir's "disgraceful letter" warranted his dismissal, stating, "You dared to step onto the political field and, in doing so, weaken the morale of our soldiers and the citizens of Israel, like the last opposition MK. I would fire you without hesitation. The sooner, the better."

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You dared to step onto the political field and, in doing so, weaken the morale of our soldiers and the citizens of Israel, like the last opposition MK. I would fire you without hesitation. The sooner, the better.

MK Osher Shekalim (Likud) also voiced strong criticism of the chief of staff. In an interview with 103FM, Shekalim contended that Zamir's involvement in the draft law debate exceeded his authority and harmed proper administration. "The chief of staff should be the number one soldier and nothing else," Shekalim asserted. "He is not supposed to be a lawmaker, and he is not supposed to set policy. He can say his piece to the prime minister behind closed doors and not take it outside."

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The chief of staff should be the number one soldier and nothing else. He is not supposed to be a lawmaker, and he is not supposed to set policy. He can say his piece to the prime minister behind closed doors and not take it outside.

Both lawmakers suggested that the IDF chief should focus solely on military operations and avoid engaging in policy debates. Shekalim emphasized the need for the army to "deal with being an army," referencing the lessons of October 7 and the importance of the military adhering to the directives of the political echelon. He rejected claims that the government was ignoring Zamir's warning for political survival, asserting that efforts are underway to address the need for soldiers through agreement and inclusivity.

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More than ever, we need to learn the lesson of October 7: that the army should deal with being an army. I want Zamir to come and tell me how many terrorists he knows how to eliminate according to the political echelon’s plans, and nothing else. I do not want him dealing with policy, implications and the scepters of values.