According to N12, sources close to Maj. Gen. Dado Bar Kalifa responded to the controversy over his appointment as Central Command chief, stating that he made no commitment regarding any policy and will act according to the Chief of Staff's decisions. The sources added that Bar Kalifa has good relations with the current commander, Maj. Gen. Avi Blot, and met with him today.
The response from Bar Kalifa's camp comes amid the ongoing public dispute between Defense Minister Israel Katz and the IDF leadership over the command of Central Command. As The Zioneer reported, Katz announced on live television Sunday night that he intended to replace Maj. Gen. Avi Blot with Bar Kalifa, citing dissatisfaction with Blot's handling of administrative measures in Judea and Samaria. The announcement triggered a rare public rebuke from the IDF, which stated the move was not coordinated with the Chief of Staff. The new statement from Bar Kalifa's associates appears aimed at defusing the controversy, emphasizing that the general has no preconditions and maintains good relations with Blot. The meeting between the two generals today signals an effort to ensure a smooth transition if the appointment proceeds. The dispute remains unresolved, with the Defense Minister's office and the IDF presenting conflicting accounts of the appointment process.
2 developments
- DevelopingChannel 14 clip shows Katz directly linked Bar Kalifa appointment to Blot dispute
- StrongKatz rejects claims he called for dismissal of incoming Central Command chief
- DevelopingDefense Minister Katz advances appointment of Maj. Gen. Dado Bar Kalifa as Central Command chief
- DevelopingKatz associates accuse Zamir of promoting Bar Kalifa to block Netanyahu from appointing him military secretary
Source and signal
- Open-source intake