Defense Minister Israel Katz said Monday evening that Maj. Gen. Avi Blot has not been dismissed and is fulfilling his role well, reversing his earlier televised announcement that Blot would be replaced. Katz stated there is no disagreement between them, according to Israeli media.
Defense Minister Israel Katz reversed his earlier position on Monday evening, stating that Maj. Gen. Avi Blot, head of IDF Central Command, has not been dismissed and is performing his duties well. Katz said there is no disagreement between them, according to a report by Yedioth Ahronoth.
The statement marks a significant de-escalation in the public clash between the political echelon and the military leadership. Earlier on Sunday night, Katz had announced on live television that Blot would be replaced by Maj. Gen. Dado Bar Kalifa, citing dissatisfaction with Blot's handling of administrative measures against Jewish residents in Judea and Samaria. The IDF General Staff immediately issued a rare public rebuke, stating the move was not coordinated with Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir.
As The Zioneer reported earlier Monday, Katz subsequently assured heads of local authorities in Judea and Samaria that Blot remains in his post and that he backs all IDF commanders. Monday evening's public statement formalizes that position. The controversy had prompted Zamir to freeze senior IDF appointments, effectively neutralizing Katz's influence over promotions, according to reports.
Blot continues to lead Central Command amid the ongoing multi-front security situation. The reversal suggests an effort to stabilize the defense establishment following the unprecedented public rupture.
5 developments
- StrongCommentator Shachar Glik corrects claim: Katz did not fire Blot live, decision was pre-existing
- StrongIsraeli the source reacts to Katz-Blott controversy, seeks Drucker's criticism
- DevelopingMK Buaron: Maj. Gen. Blot cannot run his own policy, must implement defense minister's instructions
- DevelopingChannel 14 clip shows Katz directly linked Bar Kalifa appointment to Blot dispute
Source and signal
- Open-source intake