Israel's prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has publicly rebuked a top general for comments appearing to liken the atmosphere in Israel to that of Nazi-era Germany.

Netanyahu says Sunday that Maj. Gen. Yair Golan, the military's deputy chief of staff, erred when speaking on the country's annual Holocaust memorial day.

Golan sparked outrage, particularly among nationalists, for saying that he sees evidence in present-day Israel reminiscent of the nauseating processes that took place in Nazi Germany. The defense minister, military chief and other officials came to his defense, saying that he was warning of troubling trends in society.

But Netanyahu called the comments outrageous, saying at his weekly Cabinet meeting that "they cause harm to Israel and cheapen the Holocaust."

Cabinet Minister Miri Regev has called for Golan's dismissal.