Israeli commanders clash over authority for Gaza airstrikes

A serious conflict of authority has occurred between senior commanders in the Israeli army regarding airstrikes on Gaza. The heated dispute between Southern Command Major General Yaniv Assor and Air Force Commander Major General Tomer Bar reportedly stemmed from a disagreement over strike authorizations.

According to Ynet News, Major General Assor accused Air Force Commander Bar of constantly interfering with decisions on airstrikes against targets in Gaza and demanded an end to these interventions.

This issue, raised last week during a meeting at the Kirya military headquarters in Tel Aviv attended by more than 20 generals and senior officers, quickly escalated into a loud argument. Assor, who participated via video conference from his command center in Be’er Sheva, highlighted the conflict of authority.

“You are disconnected from the field”

Air Force Commander Bar defended his interventions, arguing that some airstrikes requested by the Southern Command were “unprofessional.” According to sources, Assor reacted sharply to these words, stating, “You people in Tel Aviv are completely disconnected from the field.” Chief of the General Staff Eyal Zamir intervened, criticizing Assor’s tone and stating that such language was unacceptable.

The Israeli army confirmed the incident occurred but did not provide any further comment on the matter.

Growing frustration with the ground operation

Behind this dispute lies the accumulated dissatisfaction within the Southern Command, as months of ground operations in Gaza have failed to achieve their intended results. The operation named “Gideon’s Chariots,” initiated to facilitate a hostage deal, is assessed to have failed in reaching this objective.

The report, citing Hamas and international sources, states that hundreds of civilians, particularly women and children, have been killed in attacks carried out as part of the operation. These attacks, which drew condemnation from Western public opinion, have also led to criticism within the Israeli army.

A defense official speaking to Ynet said, “These attacks were not aimed at protecting soldiers under fire or targeting specific terrorists. In such situations, risks are taken. However, the Southern Command’s fire policy pushed the limits. The definitions of acceptable civilian casualties were changed, and in most cases, the harm outweighed the benefit. Low-level Hamas members were targeted while high civilian casualties were accepted. We are now in a different phase of the war.”

Criticism directed at Assor

It is reported that Major General Assor has frequently clashed with different units within the army since he took over from his predecessor, Yaron Finkelman, who resigned following the failures of October 7. Many officers are said to maintain their distance from him.

Meanwhile, opinions are growing both in public and within the army that the ongoing ground operation in Gaza has lost its meaning. Assessments suggest that a clear military victory against Hamas has not been achieved, no progress has been made in rescuing the hostages, and Israeli soldiers are being continuously worn down.

Reserve officer A. stated, “There is no real maneuver, the soldiers are exhausted. The enemy senses our weakness and is attacking.”

New operation plan

On the other hand, the report indicates that a new operation plan is expected to be prepared due to the stalemate in hostage negotiations. This plan will reportedly be created jointly by Major General Yaniv Assor and Major General Tomer Bar.

An officer who attended the meeting commented on the dispute, saying, “Such a conflict has never been seen before within the General Staff,” and added: “The army encourages open discussion at all levels, and there have been many disagreements during the war. But this argument came very close to becoming personal and required the Chief of the General Staff’s intervention.”