Israel Defense Minister Refutes Claims of On-Air Dismissal of Central Command Chief

When a televised interview sparked a media frenzy, Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz stepped forward to set the record straight. Katz denied that he announced the dismissal of Major General Avi Bluth, the commander of the Israel Defense Forces’ (IDF) Central Command, during a Sunday broadcast, calling the allegations a political campaign aimed at the government.

In a statement released Monday, Katz declared that the claim he called for Bluth’s removal on air was false. He added that the decision to replace Bluth with Major General Dado Bar Kalifa had been in motion for months before the interview. According to Katz, the IDF Chief of Staff, Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, had recommended Bar Kalifa as Bluth’s successor on April 24, a recommendation reported by Channel 12 News.

Channel 14 News reported on July 28 that Katz had accepted Zamir’s recommendation and that the appointment process was proceeding under standard procedures. Katz noted that he had interviewed Bar Kalifa and concluded that he was the most suitable candidate for the role.

During the Sunday interview, a participant reportedly called for Bluth’s dismissal. Katz responded with a single word: “No.” He said the exchange is documented on video and that the media’s portrayal of the interview is inconsistent with the facts.

Katz emphasized that the appointment of Bar Kalifa had already been approved months earlier and that the decision was not made because of the interview. He urged the public to focus on the broader implications of a potential change in the defense ministry’s leadership. Katz warned that if Yair Golan were to become defense minister in a government led by Gadi Eisenkot, there could be a risk of a shift in military policy that might harm Israel’s security.

Bluth, who was promoted to major general in June 2024, has been the commander of the Central Command since July 2024. The Central Command oversees IDF units operating in the West Bank, Jerusalem, the Sharon, Gush Dan, and the Shephelah. Bluth’s tenure has been marked by controversy over administrative restrictions on settlers in Judea and Samaria.

Bar Kalifa, the head of the IDF Personnel Directorate, was recommended by Zamir as a replacement. He has a background in personnel management and has served in various staff roles within the IDF. His appointment follows a standard procedure in which the Chief of Staff recommends a candidate and the Defense Minister approves.

The dispute has drawn attention to the relationship between the Israeli military and the civilian government. In recent years, the IDF has maintained a degree of operational independence, while the Defense Minister has the authority to appoint commanders. The current controversy highlights the political sensitivities surrounding military leadership appointments.

Katz’s statement was issued amid a broader political context. The Likud party, of which Katz is a senior member, has been navigating internal divisions and coalition negotiations. The defense ministry’s leadership has become a focal point for discussions about security policy and settlement expansion.

The IDF has not issued a separate statement regarding the appointment of Bar Kalifa, but the ministry’s official channels have confirmed that the process followed standard protocols. No indication has been given that the IDF intends to remove Bluth from his position.

The controversy underscores the importance of clear communication between the military and the government. While Katz maintains that the decision was made independently of the interview, the incident has sparked debate about the transparency of military appointments and the role of media coverage in shaping public perception.

As the situation develops, observers will monitor whether the appointment of Bar Kalifa proceeds without further dispute and how the new commander’s leadership style will influence the Central Command’s operations in the West Bank and surrounding regions.