Katz and Zamir Reconcile, Agree to Consolidate October 7 Investigations

Defense Minister Israel Katz and IDF Chief of Staff. Eyal Zamir held a second meeting this week and reached an agreement to end their recent public dispute, unifying their own parallel investigations into the events of October 7. The decision merges the additional probes Katz ordered with those already moving forward inside the IDF, bringing the entire review back under a single, coordinated track at the top of Israel’s defense establishment.

According to Katz, the unification aims to ensure an orderly sequence of inquiries and prevent the overlapping work that developed during the weeks of tension. His office said the decision followed growing concern that parallel investigations risked producing gaps when the public expected a complete and transparent report of the failures of October 7. “The Defense Establishment Comptroller will be added as an observer to the team investigating the ‘Jericho Wall’ document and will be updated on the inquiries ordered by the Chief of Staff regarding the Operations Directorate and the Navy,” the Defense Minister’s office said.

Under the new plan, the Comptroller will also independently examine the Air Force’s own investigation and the Turjeman Report that reviewed it, including the actions of a senior Air Force officer who held a key position during October 7. “The Comptroller will examine the Air Force investigation and the Turjeman Report… and will submit conclusions soon to the Defense Minister,” the statement added.

The reconciliation comes after weeks of unusually public friction between Katz and Zamir. Each had ordered separate supplementary investigations into the failures of October 7, and the disagreement escalated into open criticism from both sides.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently summoned both men for an urgent clarification meeting due to fears that the dispute could destabilize the upper ranks of the security establishment. At the same time, Katz approved most of Zamir’s latest round of senior appointments, aside from one candidate whose past comments on refusal to serve prompted Katz to block the promotion.

Katz said the Defense Ministry remains committed to full transparency. “The Defense Minister will insist that all material regarding the events of October 7 be fully investigated… and presented to the public and to the bereaved families. No cover-up will be allowed.” His office added that the leadership would continue acting “as one fist and with full force across all fronts.”