Shai Alon, head of the Beit El local council, urged Defense Minister Israel Katz to reverse his decision to dismiss Maj. Gen. Avi Blot as head of IDF Central Command, calling the move "a grave mistake that harms the settlement enterprise and the fight against terrorism." The statement adds to the widening political-military crisis over the surprise announcement.
Shai Alon, head of the Beit El local council, called on Defense Minister Israel Katz on Monday morning to retract his decision to dismiss Maj. Gen. Avi Blot as head of the IDF Central Command, describing the move as "a grave mistake that harms the settlement enterprise and the fight against terrorism."
The call comes amid a widening political-military crisis that erupted overnight Sunday, when Katz announced on live television that he is replacing Blot with Maj. Gen. Dado Bar Kalifa. The IDF General Staff immediately issued a rare public rebuke, stating the move was not coordinated with Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir and that Blot will not be replaced. Katz's office later confirmed that Zamir had recommended the appointment in April, but the lack of advance coordination has fueled criticism from across the political spectrum.
The dispute has been building for weeks, with Katz criticizing Blot's handling of administrative measures in Judea and Samaria, specifically regarding the administrative detention of a Jewish resident, Tal Yanon Dardik, as reported by The Zioneer last week. MKs from the coalition have also accused Blot of treating Jewish residents as enemies, while the IDF has stated that Blot has the military's full trust and that there is no intention to replace senior commanders during the current sensitive period.
The situation remains unresolved, with the IDF insisting Blot will continue in his role, while Katz's office maintains the appointment is proceeding. Further reactions from political and military figures are expected.
24 developments
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- DevelopingMa'aminim movement: 'You are toppling the settlement enterprise' after Blot's dismissal
- DevelopingDefense Minister Katz to re-examine administrative measures against settlers, demands policy shift from IDF general
- StrongDefense Minister Katz eulogizes fallen 52nd Battalion commander and three soldiers in Lebanon
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