IDF general berates Israel’s politicians in highly unusual public statement – ‘You must be worthy of us’

In public remarks highly unusual for an active IDF commander, Brig.-Gen. Dan Goldfus on Wednesday berated Israeli politicians, calling on them to show themselves worthy of the sacrifices being made by Israeli soldiers serving in the IDF.

Speaking “from a warrior’s heart” and addressing politicians “on all sides,” Goldfus called on them: “But you – you must, you must be worthy of us.”

He continued: “You must be worthy of those warriors who sacrificed their lives, those reservists who didn’t care which [political] side they were on, and fought and fight side by side.”

“Make sure everyone takes part, you have to make sure we don't go back to 6/10 [Oct. 6] and that all the effort wasn’t in vain,” he said in reference to the judicial reform controversy that threatened to tear Israeli society apart, as well as the current political debate about the new IDF draft law.

In what was, perhaps, the most controversial part of the statement, Goldfus struck a somewhat patronizing tone when he used a Hebrew phrase typically reserved for children and said: “Put this in your head very well. Every day, every hour.”

He further called on Israel's political echelon to strive to unite the society and the people.

“We on the battlefield have found it and do not intend to give it up,” Goldfus said. “Make it worth it.”

The general, who has been actively commanding forces in the field since the Hamas invasion and attack on Oct. 7 also took responsibility for the army’s failures that day.

“We won't run away from responsibility like we don't run away from fire,” he said.

Goldfus’ comments are highly irregular as the IDF forbids active personnel to be involved in politics or even express political opinions.

His statement came directly after a scheduled situational assessment, after which he pulled out a separate notebook and proceeded with his contentious remarks, Army Radio reported.

The statement made by Goldfus was not coordinated with the IDF Spokesman’s Unit beforehand nor distributed by its official online accounts but only forwarded to Israeli media outlets directly.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was updated before the remarks were published, Israel's KAN news outlet reported.

Shortly afterward, the IDF released an official statement.

“The officer’s remarks at the end of his statement were not confirmed with his superiors. The officer will be summoned for clarification.”

IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Herzi Halevi told the Prime Minister's Office that he would speak to Goldfus regarding the matter, according to KAN.