Tensions between Defense Minister Israel Katz and IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir are reaching a new high, with Zamir reportedly taking steps to keep a senior officer in military service despite Katz’s opposition to his promotion.
According to Galei Tzahal, Zamir appointed Maj. Gen. Eliad Muati to serve as a “project officer" in the Ground Forces, a position that does not require approval from the defense minister.
The move comes against the backdrop of Katz’s decision more than a year ago not to approve the advancement of three senior officers whom he held responsible for failures surrounding the October 7 massacre. According to the report, Katz made the decision without providing an explanation or conducting an in-depth examination of the officers’ individual responsibility. The Turgeman Committee, which examined the conduct of the officers, reportedly concluded that there was no obstacle to promoting them.
Muati’s case has drawn particular attention. He was appointed commander of the Border Defense Corps just one week before the October 7 attack. Later, Zamir sought to promote him to commander of Division 210, but Katz did not approve the appointment, and another officer was ultimately selected.
Now, after Muati completed his term as commander of the National Ground Training Center, Zamir has decided to keep him in the IDF by appointing him as a project officer. According to the report, the move is intended to allow Muati to remain in service and potentially advance to a division command in the future if a different defense minister is appointed following the next elections.
One assessment within the IDF is reportedly that Zamir intends for Muati to eventually command the Judea and Samaria Division. According to the report, this is one reason the position was not filled in the latest round of appointments, leaving it open for a future appointment.
The IDF said in a statement: “Major General Eliad Muati completed his position as commander of the National Ground Training Center during the past week, after approximately one year in the role. In the coming period, he will go on leave, after which he will serve as a project officer."