Katz's office confirms: Chief of Staff recommended Bar Kalifa for Central Command in April

The public dispute between the political echelon and the IDF command intensified overnight following Defense Minister Israel Katz's televised announcement regarding the future leadership of Central Command. According to the Minister's office, the recommendation to appoint Maj. Gen. Dado Bar Kalifa originated from Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir himself several months ago.

Timeline of the Appointment

In a detailed clarification, the Defense Ministry stated that Zamir not only recommended Bar Kalifa in April but specifically requested that Minister Katz interview him for the role. Following this request, Katz conducted a personal interview with the general in June. The office noted that Katz was impressed by Bar Kalifa's suitability and decided to move forward with the appointment in the upcoming round of senior IDF placements.

Policy and Friction

The clarification follows a rare public rebuke from the IDF, which claimed earlier Sunday night that the announcement was made without the Chief of Staff's knowledge. The friction centers on the current commander, Maj. Gen. Avi Blot, whom Katz criticized for his handling of administrative measures against Jewish residents in Judea and Samaria.

Minister Katz's office emphasized that his policy is to promote commanders with a proven record of "aggressiveness and success" in the current war, aligning with the security doctrine led by the Minister and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. While the IDF maintains that Blot remains in his position, the Defense Ministry's statement frames the transition as a settled decision based on prior military recommendations.