The IDF responded to Defense Minister Israel Katz's announcement of Maj. Gen. Dado Bar Kalifa as the next Central Command chief, stating the move was not coordinated with Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir and that there is no intention to replace commanders during such a sensitive period. Katz's office countered that Zamir had recommended the appointment in April, and Katz interviewed Bar Kalifa in June before deciding to approve it.
Defense Minister Israel Katz announced late Sunday evening that he is appointing Maj. Gen. Dado Bar Kalifa as the next commander of the IDF's Central Command, replacing Maj. Gen. Avi Blot. The IDF responded within minutes, issuing a series of statements confirming that the move was not coordinated with Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir and that there is no intention to replace senior commanders during the current sensitive period. Katz's office countered that Zamir had recommended the appointment in April, and Katz interviewed Bar Kalifa in June before deciding to approve it.
The Zioneer first reported at 23:20 Jerusalem on Sunday (Aug 2) that Katz announced the replacement of Blot live on Channel 14, citing policy disagreements. The IDF immediately responded with multiple statements — all published at 23:20 Jerusalem — each confirming that Katz's remarks were not coordinated with the Chief of Staff and that Blot retains full confidence. The IDF also stated that it has no intention of replacing commanders in key positions during this sensitive period. At 23:22 Jerusalem, The Zioneer published a full report detailing Katz's public attack on Blot over administrative detention measures against Jewish residents in Judea and Samaria, and his decision to advance Bar Kalifa's appointment. At 00:32 Jerusalem (early Monday), The Zioneer reported that Katz's office detailed the timeline: Zamir's recommendation in late April, Katz's interview with Bar Kalifa in June, and the expected appointment in the next round of senior command rotations.
The background to the dispute is Katz's criticism of Blot for acting contrary to ministerial policy on administrative detention orders against Jewish residents of Judea and Samaria, as The Zioneer reported. Katz has emphasized his desire for a commander who 'strikes enemies while protecting local Israeli civilians.' The Zioneer reported on Jul 28 that Katz was advancing Bar Kalifa's appointment, and on Jul 29, a source assessed that Bar Kalifa would determine the next Judea and Samaria Division commander.
The central question remains unresolved: the IDF and the Defense Minister's office are in open disagreement over whether the appointment was coordinated with the Chief of Staff. The IDF maintains it has no intention of replacing commanders, while Katz insists the appointment is proceeding. The timeline for the rotation and the status of Maj. Gen. Blot remain unclear.
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