IDF Rejects Katz's Statement. Bennett Attacks Minister: "Destroying the Army from Within"
A public conflict between Defense Minister Israel Katz and Central Command Chief Avi Blot has sparked political outrage. The IDF Spokesperson's Unit stated the minister's announcement was not coordinated.
The publicized conflict between Defense Minister Israel Katz and Central Command Chief Major General Avi Blot, which reached its peak with the minister's announcement regarding the replacement of the commander who "challenged" his decision, has sparked a storm in the political system.
"Beyad" Chairman Naftali Bennett claimed last night that "the government is against its soldiers," and former Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot wrote that "they are not fit to ensure the security of the state."
Katz announced his intention in a live broadcast on the program "The Patriots" on Channel 14, moments before the Likud primaries. He stated that the replacement would be Major General Dado Bar Kalifa, currently the head of the Manpower Directorate, adding that the appointment was made upon the recommendation of the Chief of Staff. However, Katz's announcement regarding Blot's replacement came sooner than expected; Blot had only taken office in July 2024.
Meanwhile, the IDF Spokesperson's Unit contradicted the minister's statement, reporting that his words were not coordinated with the Chief of Staff.
"After finishing dismantling the IDF from the outside and ensuring mass draft evasion, the October 7 government decided to dismantle the IDF from the inside and ensure total chaos. I say tonight to all citizens of Israel, and to all IDF fighters and commanders in regular service and in the reserves — hold on tight, reinforcements are on the way. Soon we will replace them and together we will fix it," Bennett stated.
Gadi Eisenkot also attacked the move:
"The show that took place on the program 'The Patriots' is an unprecedented low in the relations between the political echelon and the military echelon, an inappropriate and illegal act. The State of Israel is not private property and the IDF is not a tool in the primaries of politicians who have lost their way."
Yoaz Hendel added: "Defense Minister Israel Katz's announcement in a live broadcast about the end of the term of Central Command Chief, Avi Blot, is a despicable and irresponsible act and contrary to his authority. The authority to appoint IDF major generals lies solely with the Chief of Staff."
Conversely, some coalition members welcomed the decision. MK Limor Son Har-Melech from Otzma Yehudit published on X:
"Blot failed in his role. Instead of focusing all his forces on fighting terrorism, he chose to turn the 'hilltop youth' and the pioneers into the enemy. In a democratic state, a command chief does not set the policy. His role is to execute it. Whoever wants to set the security policy of the State of Israel is invited to take off the uniform and run for the Knesset."
