The Appointed Successor to Katz for Central Command Was Not Enthusiastic About the Offer

Three months ago, IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir summoned the head of the Manpower Directorate, Maj. Gen. Dado Bar Khalifa, to discuss his future. On the agenda was his potential appointment as GOC Central Command, replacing Maj. Gen. Avi Bluth. To the surprise of the Chief of Staff, Bar Khalifa showed little enthusiasm, expressing a preference for Northern or Southern Command.

Bar Khalifa recognized that Central Command had become a position from which it is difficult to emerge unscathed. Commanders face intense scrutiny from all sides: the settlement movement, 'hilltop youth,' human rights organizations, and the political echelon. In the current reality, the role is as much a political minefield as it is an operational one. Although Bar Khalifa preferred to serve as the Prime Minister's Military Secretary, that idea did not materialize, and he eventually accepted the Central Command post.

This case illustrates a broader trend: senior officers are weighing their career moves against the public and political costs of each position. This occurs during an unprecedented manpower crisis within the IDF, as quality commanders depart after nearly three years of continuous war, extreme burnout, and immense pressure. Instead of fostering trust, the appointment process has become a source of friction.

Defense Minister Israel Katz began blocking the promotion of certain officers, raising questions about whether professional considerations were being prioritized. The tension peaked when Katz publicly announced Bluth's successor while the incumbent was still in office. Consequently, Chief of Staff Zamir announced that no new Major Generals would be appointed until early 2027. His goal is to maintain stability in the army’s leadership and insulate it from the election campaign. As a result, Maj. Gen. Avi Bluth will continue to command Central Command until at least 2027.