Israeli Army Chief Aviv Kohavi deliberately avoids government meetings over concerns of being entrapped. This avoidance follows recent humiliations and criticisms from some ministers regarding the military's performance in the Gaza conflict.
Political affairs correspondent Yaron Abraham of Channel 12 News in Israel reports that the prime minister's military secretary, Major General Avi Gil, has called Aviv Kohavi multiple times recently, requesting him on behalf of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to attend the government meetings.
Despite the request, Kohavi abstained from attending the weekly government session last Sunday and did not participate in consultations regarding the Gaza conflict. He neither dismissed nor confirmed his attendance for the upcoming government meetings, fueling speculation about his intentions.
General Avi Gil urged the Chief of Staff to meet with the ministers to give a comprehensive briefing. Yet, Kohavi's response was noncommittal: "When I can come, I will do so."
Although Aviv Kohavi is absent from government sessions, he makes appearances three times a week before the political echelon, twice weekly at the "Cabinet for War" meetings, and once more at extended discussions with the Israeli ministerial committee on security and political affairs, known as the "Cabinet," which involves 15 ministers and observers.
Channel 12 highlights the particularly strained relationship between the military leadership and political leaders, with government ministers recently accusing Kohavi of avoiding meetings because he expects criticism.
On the contrary, there appears to be an impression among some ministers who seek to provoke a media confrontation with the Chief of Staff, with Kohavi facing insults and criticisms during his appearances at Cabinet meetings amid this tense backdrop.
In this climate, government ministers make concerted efforts to engage with the military leadership. However, Kohavi is wary, understanding that a political "trap" awaits him, prompting him to avoid Cabinet discussions to escape further criticisms and insults.
Shin Bet Chief Ronen Bar (right) with Chief of Staff Aviv Kohavi (Al Jazeera)
Regarding operational circumstances, an Israeli Army spokesperson responded to Channel 12's inquiry, stating that Aviv Kohavi would attend a Cabinet meeting as soon as operational conditions permit.
"The Chief of Staff manages combat operations around the clock across all fronts, attends daily meetings of the Cabinet for War, and senior Israeli military generals provide government meetings with situation updates," he said.
About two weeks ago, a clash ensued at a Cabinet meeting between Aviv Kohavi and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, stemming from an incident where Israeli soldiers used a loudspeaker system to celebrate "Hanukkah – the Festival of Lights" at a mosque in Jenin.
Ministers Miri Regev and Ben-Gvir criticized the Israeli military's handling of the event and the soldiers' actions, prompting Kohavi to firmly respond to Ben-Gvir, "Do not threaten me."
