Uncovered: Eyal Zamir's Hidden Consultation Group Unveiled
In a recent report by Kan 11 News, a crisis between IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir and Defense Minister Israel Katz has been brought to light, but the nature of the dispute remains undisclosed. Amidst this tension, the contacts between Colonel Alon Laniado, an aide to Chief of Staff Zamir, and journalists have intensified, according to the same report.
Colonel Laniado, despite his role as an aide, is not a member of the advisory group for Chief of Staff Zamir. The advisory group, which was reported on Tuesday evening, includes notable figures such as former Defense Minister Gabi Ashkenazi, Major General (res.) Israel Ziv, and Liran Dan, who previously served as spokesperson for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. However, there is no public confirmation from the search results about Avi Benayahu, Matan Dansker, or Liran Dan being part of this advisory group.
The report did not mention any involvement of the members of Zamir's advisory group in the alleged contacts between Colonel Laniado and journalists. Moreover, it did not state whether these contacts have been approved or sanctioned by Chief of Staff Zamir.
It's important to note that these contacts between Colonel Laniado and journalists are contrary to regulations that grant only the IDF Spokesperson's Unit authority to brief media. In response to the report, the IDF Spokesperson's Unit has rejected the claim, stating that the information about Colonel Laniado maintaining contact with reporters is incorrect.
Despite the controversy, there is evidence supporting the claims that Zamir's unofficial advisory forum includes individuals like Gabi Ashkenazi and Israel Ziv. According to a report cited on August 13, 2025, the Chief of Staff's unofficial advisory forum comprises former Defense Minister Gabi Ashkenazi and Major General (res.) Israel Ziv, among others.
However, the available search results do not provide any information or evidence about Colonel Laniado briefing journalists against regulations. The report from Kan 11 News did not provide any evidence to support the claim that Colonel Laniado maintains regular contact with journalists.
It's worth mentioning that the advisory group for Chief of Staff Zamir is not serving in the military. The group's purpose and the extent of its influence on military decisions remain unclear.
As the situation unfolds, it is crucial to maintain transparency and adherence to regulations within the military hierarchy. The IDF Spokesperson's Unit's denial of the report is a step towards clarifying the situation, but further investigation may be necessary to fully understand the nature of the contacts between Colonel Laniado and journalists, as well as the role of the advisory group in influencing military decisions.
[1] Source: Kan 11 News, August 13, 2025.
The controversy surrounding Colonel Laniado's contacts with journalists raises questions about policy-and-legislation within the IDF, as these contacts contravene regulations that grant only the IDF Spokesperson's Unit authority to brief media.
This incident also sheds light on the politics involved, as the nature of the dispute between Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir and Defense Minister Israel Katz remains undisclosed, and the role of Zamir's advisory group in military decisions remains unclear. General-news outlets are closely following the developments to provide more insight into the situation.
