Lieutenant Colonel (Res.) German Giltman, who withdrew his candidacy after Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir decided to promote him but Defense Minister Israel Katz rejected the appointment, criticized the minister saying that "this is a political decision, not a professional one." Regarding claims he was part of the protest movement "Brothers in Arms," he said: "I was part of 'Tankers for the Defense of Israel and Democracy,' a separate movement that was never part of 'Brothers in Arms.' I never called for refusal to serve or volunteer, and I condemn such calls." He added: "After much consideration, I decided to continue serving as the division chief of staff. It's important for me to be above politics."