Israeli army chief recommends commander who destroyed Gaza university for senior role

The Israeli army's chief of staff, Eyal Zamir, has recommended Barak Hiram, a senior commander who was responsible for deadly attacks in Gaza and for Israeli forces firing tank shells at an Israeli home during the 7 October attacks, for the post of military secretary to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Israeli newspaper Ynet reported on Thursday that Hiram is one of two candidates being considered to replace Roman Gofman, a close Netanyahu ally who is expected to leave the role after reportedly being appointed the next head of the Mossad intelligence agency.

The other candidate is Tal Politis, a senior Israeli Navy officer.

Hiram became a divisive figure in Israel after the Hamas-led attacks on 7 October, when he ordered tank shells to be fired at a house in Kibbutz Beeri where Hamas fighters were holding Israeli captives.

Fifteen Israeli civilians were inside the house during the assault. Only two survived.

Read more: Israeli army chief recommends commander who destroyed Gaza university for senior role