Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that 'after considering all aspects, I decided not to approve the participation of Military Advocate General, Major General Yifat Tomer-Yerushalmi, in the Bar Association conference - following the reasons I detailed.' In his statement, Katz addressed the position of IDF Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, who expressed his support for her participation, saying he had informed Zamir of his decision before making it public. He added: 'The authority on this matter falls under my responsibility as Defense Minister, and accordingly, I made the decision.'