Defense Minister Israel Katz approved Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir's recommendation to appoint Maj. Gen. Dado Bar Kalifa as commander of Central Command, the IDF Spokesperson announced Monday. Bar Kalifa is expected to assume the post in 2027. Katz also approved dozens of colonel-rank appointments. The Zioneer characterized the sequence as a 'move' by Katz, noting the simultaneous approval of the colonel-rank promotions.
The IDF Spokesperson confirmed Monday evening that Defense Minister Israel Katz approved the appointment of Maj. Gen. Dado Bar Kalifa as the next commander of Central Command, based on a recommendation from Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir. Bar Kalifa, currently serving as head of the Personnel Directorate (Aka), is expected to assume the post in 2027. The approval resolves a days-long public dispute between Katz and the IDF leadership over the command of Judea and Samaria.
As The Zioneer reported earlier Monday, Katz initially announced the move on live television Sunday night, prompting an unusual IDF statement that the decision was not coordinated. The Chief of Staff subsequently froze all senior appointments, but by Monday evening Katz and Zamir had reached an agreement. The IDF statement also listed dozens of other senior appointments approved by Katz, including brigade commanders, naval flotilla chiefs, and heads of departments across the military.
The Zioneer noted that the approval of Bar Kalifa's promotion came alongside the colonel-rank appointments, describing the sequence as a 'shtick' by Katz — a colloquial term for a clever maneuver — and suggesting a coordinated personnel package.
The appointment remains subject to a scheduled 2027 handover, with current Central Command chief Maj. Gen. Avi Blot continuing in the role until then.
3 developments
- DevelopingDefense Minister Katz advances appointment of Maj. Gen. Dado Bar Kalifa as Central Command chief
- StrongKatz rejects claims he called for dismissal of incoming Central Command chief
- DevelopingChannel 14 clip shows Katz directly linked Bar Kalifa appointment to Blot dispute
- DevelopingKatz associates accuse Zamir of promoting Bar Kalifa to block Netanyahu from appointing him military secretary
Source and signal
- Open-source intake