Defense Minister Israel Katz on Monday morning responded to the controversy over his televised remarks regarding the replacement of Central Command chief Maj. Gen. Avi Blot, stating that the appointment process was already underway months before his interview. Katz said the Chief of Staff's recommendation had been received and approved by him well in advance, and that 'the attempt to present things as if a decision was made following the interview does not stand up to the facts.'
Defense Minister Israel Katz doubled down on Monday morning on his account of the Central Command chief appointment timeline, rejecting the narrative that his on-air remarks sparked the decision to replace Maj. Gen. Avi Blot. In a statement, Katz said the Chief of Staff's recommendation for the appointment was received and approved by him 'months before the interview' and that the appointment process was already underway. 'The attempt to present things as if a decision was made following the interview does not stand up to the facts,' he said. The statement comes as the latest development in a public dispute that erupted Sunday evening when Katz announced on Channel 14 that Maj. Gen. Dado Bar Kalifa would replace Blot, criticizing Blot's handling of administrative measures against Jewish residents in Judea and Samaria. The IDF responded that the announcement was made without the Chief of Staff's knowledge.
Within hours, early Monday (00:28 Jerusalem), Katz's office issued a series of clarifications: Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir had recommended Bar Kalifa for the role in April, Katz interviewed him in June, and the appointment was expected in the next senior command rotation. The office also revealed that Katz's policy is to promote commanders with a proven record of aggressiveness in the War of Resurrection, and that Katz accused opposition figure Yair Golan of previously threatening to dismiss Maj. Gen. David Zini. Later Monday morning (10:41 Jerusalem), Katz denied calling for Blot's dismissal, calling the claim 'an absolute lie' and attributing the controversy to a political campaign.
The dispute reflects ongoing friction between the political and military echelons over appointments and security policy. As The Zioneer reported in its Eye on Zion column, Chief of Staff Zamir froze senior appointments to protect the IDF's professional autonomy during an election period, while the Defense Ministry insists on civilian oversight. Council heads in Judea and Samaria have weighed in, with some opposing the move, while MKs from both sides have voiced support or criticism. The exact status of the appointment remains open, as the IDF maintains that Blot continues in his role and that the process requires formal coordination.
11 developments
- DevelopingPolitical commentary accuses Defense Minister Katz of 'ugly manipulation' in Central Command appointment
- DevelopingChannel 14 clip shows Katz directly linked Bar Kalifa appointment to Blot dispute
- 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
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