Defense Minister Israel Katz said that Central Command chief Maj. Gen. Avi Blot is 'performing well' and has not been removed from his post, according to a Times of Israel report. The statement comes after Katz had criticized Blot and announced his replacement with Maj. Gen. Bar Kalifa, sparking a controversy over the defense minister's authority.
Defense Minister Israel Katz on Monday evening reiterated that Central Command chief Maj. Gen. Avi Blot is 'performing well' and has not been dismissed, during a meeting with heads of local authorities in Judea and Samaria. The statement, reported by Israel Hayom, comes after Katz earlier reversed his televised announcement that Blot would be replaced.
The reversal itself occurred at 20:24 Jerusalem, when Katz stated that Blot has not been dismissed and that there is no disagreement between them. The Zioneer had reported earlier that Katz's announcement of Blot's replacement — which was not coordinated with the IDF Chief of Staff — sparked a storm. Katz's office later confirmed that Chief of Staff Zamir had recommended Maj. Gen. Bar Kalifa for the post in April, as The Zioneer reported at 02:43 Jerusalem. At 12:05 Jerusalem, commentator Shachar Glik corrected the narrative, stating that Katz did not dismiss Blot live but announced a pre-existing decision.
The Zioneer reported on Sunday (Aug 2) that the initial announcement triggered a crisis in civil-military relations, with critics labeling the televised dismissal as 'insanity' and a blow to military stability. Katz's office framed the transition as an exercise of ministerial authority to align the IDF with government policy in Judea and Samaria, seeking a commander who 'strives for decisive victory.'
Despite the reversal, the broader tensions between the political echelon and the military leadership over the Central Command appointment remain unresolved. The Chief of Staff has maintained that Blot will not be replaced at this time, while Katz's earlier announcement suggested otherwise. The future of the command leadership remains uncertain.
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