Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office responded to the publication of Netanyahu's recordings, stating that "as clearly heard in the recordings - without Channel 13 'commentators' distorted interpretation - the Prime Minister notes that the former IDF Chief of Staff and Defense Minister were the ones who prevented the establishment of designated units for ultra-Orthodox service." The office added that "in contrast, the current Defense Minister and IDF Chief of Staff are advancing the issue quickly and professionally - and we are proud of this."