Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has intensified a growing rift with the country’s military leadership, targeting the highly respected Army spokesperson, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, for his public criticism of a controversial legislative proposal.
The dispute centers on the “Feldstein Law,” a bill that would shield individuals in the defense establishment from prosecution for sharing classified intelligence with the Prime Minister or Defense Minister without authorization. Hagari’s remarks, labeling the law “dangerous” during a press briefing, have triggered a political maelstrom, placing Netanyahu’s government at odds with the military’s leadership.
A Dangerous Precedent?
Hagari’s outspoken comments came in response to questions about the law, which is seen by critics as an attempt to protect Eli Feldstein, Netanyahu’s security spokesperson, and an unnamed army reservist implicated in a classified document leak to foreign media.
“This law is very dangerous because it will create a situation where any junior official in the army can, based on personal judgment, steal documents or intelligence materials from the army,” Hagari said.
His statements have resonated with the Israeli public, where the military enjoys significant trust. A recent poll by the Israel Democracy Institute found that 76% of Israeli Jews hold confidence in the army spokesperson, despite fluctuations in previous months.
Government Backlash
Netanyahu’s government has hit back with sharp criticism, accusing Hagari of overstepping his authority. Defense Minister Israel Katz called the remarks a “grave incident” and warned of disciplinary action, while Interior Minister Moshe Arbel deemed the comments a “serious crossing of a red line.”
Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana asserted that the military should refrain from criticizing the legislative process, emphasizing that such positions should be conveyed privately to the political leadership.
Netanyahu himself condemned Hagari’s remarks, stating, “In a democratic country, the military is not supposed to interfere in political matters and certainly not criticize legislation.”
A Growing Divide
The controversy underscores a deeper divide between Netanyahu’s government and the military establishment, which has voiced concerns over the politicization of defense-related issues. Critics argue that the proposed law undermines the army’s independence and jeopardizes national security.
The tension reflects a broader struggle within Israeli society, where Netanyahu’s administration has faced protests over judicial reforms, far-right policies, and security concerns.
Repercussions Within the Army
In a rare public rebuke, Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi reprimanded Hagari, and the Israeli army issued a statement distancing itself from the remarks. Hagari later apologized, stating, “I spoke in a way that exceeded my authority as the army spokesperson… Israel is a democratic country, and the army is subordinate to the political leadership.”
Despite the apology, the incident has sparked fears of further erosion of trust between the military and the government, with opposition leaders warning of long-term consequences for Israel’s democratic framework.
The Feldstein Bill’s Controversy
The Knesset approved the Feldstein Bill in a preliminary reading on Wednesday, with 59 votes in favor and 52 against. The legislation’s passage would mark a significant shift in Israel’s handling of classified intelligence, raising alarms among legal experts and military officials.
The bill stems from allegations that Feldstein and Netanyahu advisor Jonatan Urich leaked military intelligence, prompting calls for greater accountability and scrutiny of government actions.
What Lies Ahead?
As Netanyahu doubles down on his stance, the fallout from this escalating feud is likely to shape Israel’s political and security landscape. With public trust in the military hanging in the balance, the resolution of this conflict will be a key test of the country’s democratic resilience.
