In 2012, prior to a clandestine military operation for which Israel never claimed responsibility, then-IDF Chief of Staff Benny Gantz and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu clashed over its implementation, Channel 12 news reported on Thursday.
At the time, Netanyahu convened a limited "triumvirate" cabinet forum which included then-Defense Minister Ehud Barak and then-Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman. The triumvirate decided to approve the operation, whose "window of opportunity was very small." In a meeting between Netanyahu, Barak and the prime minister's military secretary at the time, Maj. Gen. Johanan Locker, Barak said that Gantz had been apprised of the operation but had expressed reservations over its timing and said its execution could lead to war.
According to the report, one hour later, during a separate meeting with defense officials, the following exchange took place:
Gantz: "The operation requires cabinet approval. I would like to know whether this matter has been explored."
Locker: "It has, there is no need to convene the cabinet, the matter has been approved by the triumvirate and therefore the prime minister has decided on the operation's immediate execution."
Gantz: "I intend to appeal the decision with the attorney general. I don't accept the prime minister's decision, cabinet approval is necessary in light of the strategic ramifications. I'll wait to carry out the operation until [I receive] cabinet approval tomorrow."
Locker: "The urgency is due to the strategic threat; our control of the target could disappear if we don't carry out the operation as soon as possible. The prime minister has ordered the operation's immediate execution."
Ultimately, after a 24-hour delay due to Gantz's dissent, the prime minister was able to force his position on the chief of staff. The operation, which was significant in scope, was carried out and covered extensively in the Israeli and foreign media without identifying Israel's role, and contrary to the chief of staff's position, didn't trigger an enemy response.
In response to the Channel 12 report, Gantz on Thursday night said: "The stress over losing the election has led Netanyahu to use security material recklessly and irresponsibly, all for his personal political survival. I carried out far more than one operation in distant places and arenas. These operations were executed decisively and professionally, over sea, air and land. Although I have a great deal to say about the quality of certain decision-making processes, and just as I've refrained in the past from publicly discussing specifics regarding the cabinet and decision makers, I won't do it now either. We can only hope that the military echelon is continuing to conduct itself professionally and without fear of dissenting opinions or leaks."
