The IDF Spokesperson issued a sharp statement today (Tuesday), condemning Channel 14 political commentator Yaakov Bardugo for claiming in a column that IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi wishes to end the war and leave Hamas in power, calling it a "serious and baseless lie."
The Spokesperson said that "the Chief of Staff expressed himself endless times on the matter, including publicly, that the continued rule of Hamas in Gaza must not be allowed. Alongside this, the ones who determine policy vis-a-vis the United States and the Gaza Strip are the political leadership, and the IDF implements instructions in the matter. Other claims, as raised by the reporter in recent days, are a complete lie and an attempt to harm the IDF and the Chief of Staff at its head, who is leading the IDF in the fight against Hamas with great determination and with significant results."