Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Benny Gantz are at loggerheads over who should be appointed as the country’s new military chief. The dispute comes as part of broader disagreements over proposed reforms to Israel’s national security apparatus. If the two cannot reach a compromise, it could lead to a significant constitutional crisis, with civil servants and security forces potentially unable to take orders from the government.
At the heart of the dispute is the selection process for Israel’s next Israel Defense Forces (IDF) chief of staff. The prime minister and defense minister must agree on a candidate, but the process has become mired in political wrangling. Netanyahu has reportedly favored Aviv Kohavi, the incumbent, for a second term. But Gantz has refused to support Kohavi, demanding to have a say in the process.
The standoff between Netanyahu and Gantz is the latest incident in a longstanding feud between the two politicians. Gantz has accused Netanyahu of undermining agreements they made as part of a unity government formed last year. Netanyahu, meanwhile, has been indicted on corruption charges and faces ongoing legal battles.
The dispute over the IDF chief of staff position is just one element of broader proposed reforms to Israel’s national security apparatus. The government is considering changes that would give the prime minister greater control over the country’s security services, including the Mossad intelligence agency and the Shin Bet domestic security agency. Critics of the proposed reforms say they could undermine the independence of the country’s security forces and potentially lead to abuses of power.
If Netanyahu and Gantz cannot resolve their differences, it could lead to a constitutional crisis in Israel. Civil servants and security forces are required to follow the orders of the government, but if the government is unable to agree on key appointments and reforms, it could lead to a breakdown of the country’s constitutional framework. The situation is being closely watched by observers both inside and outside of Israel, with many concerned that the country’s political dysfunction could have serious consequences for its national security and stability.
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