Israel’s defense establishment is embroiled in a very public power struggle, with IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir accusing Defense Minister Israel Katz of political interference and harming the army’s readiness over the handling of October 7 failures. Zamir slammed Katz’s decision to freeze senior promotions and to re‑investigate the IDF’s own external probe into October 7, arguing the report was meant for internal lessons, “not for political use,” and warning that the freeze undercuts preparedness just as Israel faces simultaneous threats in Gaza, Lebanon, and the north. Katz, who has been battling Zamir for months over senior appointments, insists on a separate comptroller review, while Netanyahu is now trying to broker peace between his top general and defense minister as critics warn the feud risks undermining the military at a critical moment.