TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Two pieces of content circulated on X [archive] and Instagram accounts on March 1, 2026, claiming that Israeli general Jacoob Ariel Ashaabi is urging Indonesia to not interfere in the conflict between Israel and Iran. This content spread after Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto said he would mediate between the United States, Israel, and Iran.
These narratives feature two men claimed to be Jacoob Ariel Ashaabi, Commander of Israel's Global Silent Assault Infiltration Battalion. The pictured man said the conflict between Israel and Iran is a political issue between the two countries. “Israeli General: Indonesia shall not interfere, our people are around you,” reads the title of the circulating content.
So, is this really a statement made by an Israeli general?
FACT CHECK
Tempo verified the content using reverse image search, image analysis, and credible media reports. The results showed that neither the name Jacoob Ariel Ashaabi nor the Global Silent Assault Infiltration Battalion unit exists within the structure of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).
Tempo also searched for the name Jacoob Ariel Ashaabi on the Israeli news site Haaretz and the IDF website. But neither site lists Jacoob Ariel Ashaabi as an IDF general. The IDF also does not have a Global Silent Assault Infiltration Battalion.
Types of units in the IDF include The Elite 4, consisting of Sayeret Matkal, Shayetet 13, The Shaldag Unit, and Unit 669. The special forces units include the Alpinist Unit, Oketz Unit, Yahalom Unit, Our Eyes in the Sky, and Sky Rider Unit. In addition, the IDF also has combat brigades, comprising the Golani Brigade, Givati, Paratroopers, and Nahal Brigade.
Image Analysis
The first photo, claimed to be Jacoob Ariel Ashaabi, is actually former Israeli Chief of General Staff Lieutenant General Aviv Kochavi.
This AFP-owned photo was published by France24.com on July 19, 2022, in a report on Kochavi's three-day visit to Morocco. He ended his service as the 22nd Commander of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on January 16, 2023.
Meanwhile, the second photo was identified as former Israeli Army Commander Benjamin Gantz, taken by AFP photographer Jack Guez. This photo was published by Defensenews.com on December 20, 2014.
Benjamin Gantz, also known as Benny Gantz, was appointed commander in 2011 until his retirement in 2015. Gantz was Benjamin Netanyahu's main rival in the 2019 Israeli elections.
Criticism of Prabowo's Bid to Become US-Iran Mediator
Although Israel has never barred Indonesia from interfering in their affairs, President Prabowo Subianto's bid to mediate in Tehran has drawn sharp criticism.
Former Deputy Foreign Minister Dino Patti Djalal believes that this peacekeeper's ambition is unlikely to be realized. According to Dino, it is nearly impossible for the United States to agree to third-party mediation when launching a military aggression. He believes that US President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio would not be willing to set foot in Tehran.
Dino also underscores the cooling relationship between Jakarta and Tehran. Since taking office, President Prabowo has never visited Tehran.
Former Vice President Jusuf Kalla (JK) also doubts Indonesia's bargaining position with the United States. This inequality, according to JK, is clearly evident in the reciprocal trade agreement, which is lopsided and detrimental to Indonesia.
"We are not on equal footing with the United States. How can we reconcile unequal parties in this situation in such negotiations?" said JK as quoted by Tempo in its March 1, 2026 edition.
CONCLUSION
Tempo's verification concludes that the claim of Major General Jacoob Ariel Ashaabi's statement is false.
TEMPO FACT-CHECK TEAM
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