Defense Minister Israel Katz announced on Sunday evening that he was dismissing Central Command Chief Maj. Gen. Avi Bluth, making the declaration during a live interview on Channel 14's "The Patriots" program. According to Kikar HaShabbat, Katz stated that Maj. Gen. Dado Bar Kalifa, currently head of the IDF Personnel Directorate, would replace Bluth in the position.
The announcement triggered an immediate and sharp response from the military. According to the IDF Spokesman, Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir was not aware of Katz's decision until the public announcement, with the military stating that the declaration "was not coordinated" with senior command. The IDF issued a formal statement saying that Katz does not have the unilateral authority to remove a senior general from his post. "The chief of staff has no intention of replacing commanders in key positions during this sensitive period," the military said, adding that Bluth "commands Central Command in a complex reality, with professionalism, courage, and dedication, and is fully trusted."
Katz's action marked an unprecedented public collision between the political echelon and the military establishment. According to reporting from the Times of Israel, the defense minister cited disagreement with Bluth over the handling of an administrative restraining order against settler Tal Yinon Dardik, who is suspected in a March attack on Khirbet Humsa in the West Bank. Katz said he had instructed Bluth not to renew the order, but that Bluth and the Military Advocate General's Corps pursued the case "contrary to my policy," and that such decisions must conform to his policy direction.
Opposition figures expressed sharp criticism of the manner and substance of Katz's decision. Former IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot wrote on social media that the move constituted "an unprecedented lowpoint in relations between the political and military echelons—an improper and unlawful act." According to Ynet, Naftali Bennett, head of the Beyachad party, said that "the government is against its soldiers," adding that "the government is unfit to protect Israel." Yoaz Hendel, campaigning for support among military personnel, called the announcement "a disgraceful and irresponsible act that exceeds his authority," noting that "the authority to appoint IDF major generals rests solely with the chief of staff."
Within the settlement leadership, however, Katz's effort drew support. According to Kikar HaShabbat, the Yesha Council released a statement expressing full backing for Bluth, saying he "dedicated his life to the security of the state" and that "his aggressive military leadership brought major successes in the fight against terrorism." The council also praised Katz's policy direction toward settlements and security in Judea and Samaria, saying he was "leading a real revolution in strengthening Israeli security." Settlement leaders are scheduled to meet with the defense minister this afternoon.
According to the Times of Israel, military sources indicated that Katz was attempting to use the live television platform to "settle scores" with Bluth. The announcement occurred during a live broadcast on a right-wing news platform, hours before Likud party primaries, raising questions about the political timing of the move.
While Katz declared that Bluth would be replaced, the IDF's statement made clear that no such change would occur without the approval of the chief of staff, following established procedures. As of now, Bluth remains in his position leading Central Command.
