In a clarification, The Zioneer states that Defense Minister Israel Katz did not issue an on-air dismissal of IDF Central Command chief Maj. Gen. Avi Blot, as had been widely reported. According to the clarification, Katz meant to say that an agreement with the Chief of Staff already exists for Maj. Gen. Dado Bar Kalifa to assume the role in due time, but he phrased it poorly, creating the impression of an immediate replacement. Blot has served as Central Command commander since June 2024.
The Zioneer on Monday morning issued a clarification regarding Defense Minister Israel Katz's Sunday night announcement about the command of IDF Central Command. The clarification states that Katz did not actually dismiss Maj. Gen. Avi Blot live on air, as many interpreted, but was referencing an existing agreement with the Chief of Staff for Maj. Gen. Dado Bar Kalifa to take over in due time. Katz's poor phrasing, according to the clarification, led to the impression of an immediate on-air dismissal.
The clarification follows the storm that erupted after Katz's Sunday night announcement. As The Zioneer reported earlier that night, the IDF General Staff issued a rare public rebuke, stating the move was not coordinated with Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir. Later, Katz's office released a timeline showing that Zamir had recommended Bar Kalifa for the position as early as April, countering the military's claims of lack of coordination. The controversy drew reactions from former officials, including Naftali Bennett and Gadi Eisenkot.
The clarification appears to align with the timeline provided by Katz's office, suggesting that the appointment of Bar Kalifa was a planned succession rather than an on-the-spot decision. Blot remains in his post for now. The dispute highlights ongoing tensions between the political echelon and the military leadership over senior appointments during a sensitive security period.
4 developments
- StrongKatz publishes full statement denying dismissal of Central Command chief, warns against Yair Golan
- DevelopingPolitical commentary accuses Defense Minister Katz of 'ugly manipulation' in Central Command appointment
- StrongKatz: Timeline of Central Command chief appointment predates interview, denies on-air decision
- DevelopingNoam Amir calls on Defense Minister Katz to reprimand Chief of Staff Zamir over 'scandalous' statement
Source and signal
- Open-source intake