Dismissed from IDF, reinstated - and asked to praise Katz
Correspondence revealed on the program 'The Pipe' shows how Defense Minister Israel Katz's spokesman, Adir Dahan, approached reserve soldier and government supporter Ziv Barnes after he was dismissed from his unit for political statements. Dahan asked Barnes to publish a video saying the minister intervened to prevent the dismissal and to work to stop criticism of Katz. Barnes published a supportive video but was dismissed again shortly after, and the tone between the two escalated. The IDF said decisions were made solely by commanders, without external intervention.
Correspondence revealed last night on the program 'The Pipe' shows how Defense Minister Israel Katz's spokesman, Adir Dahan, acted toward reserve soldier and government supporter Ziv Barnes, after Barnes claimed he was dismissed from his unit due to political videos he posted online. According to the correspondence, Dahan contacted the IDF regarding Barnes's case, then asked him to publish a video telling about the help he received from the minister's office, and to work to stop critical videos against Katz. The affair began after Barnes posted a video saying he was told his reserve service was being terminated. He claimed the decision was made following videos he posted against Yashar party chairman Gadi Eisenkot. The next day, Barnes posted another video alongside pro-government activists, announcing their intention to launch protest steps against Katz. The videos raised concern in the Defense Minister's office due to the damage they could cause Katz among the right-wing audience. In the correspondence, Dahan wrote to Barnes: 'I would appreciate it if you could raise a video and publish that we helped you; it will help me against the damage already done.' When Barnes asked what to say, he replied: 'The truth, that the Defense Minister intervened and prevented your dismissal from reserve service.' Barnes indeed published a video praising Katz, but shortly after announced his service was terminated again, and posted another critical video. Following this, the tone between the two escalated. The IDF said Barnes first received notice of the termination of his assignment due to political statements, and after a conversation with his commanders, he committed to refraining from statements deviating from orders, and was reinstated. After he returned to posting political content, his commanders decided to terminate his service again. The IDF spokesman emphasized that all decisions were made solely by commanders, without any external intervention. The minister's spokesman responded that the minister did not deal with the matter, and that he contacted the IDF following Barnes's personal request.