IDF Considers Major General Avi Blut for Head of Aman
The IDF is considering promoting Major General Avi Blut to the position of Head of Aman. This follows a public dispute between Defense Minister Israel Katz and Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir regarding senior officer appointments.
The IDF is examining the possibility of promoting Major General Avi Blut to the position of Head of Aman (Military Intelligence Directorate). This was reported for the first time this evening on Channel 13. Senior military officials note that "Blut brings with him operational experience and a broad understanding of the reality on the ground."
Yesterday, about a day after Defense Minister Israel Katz announced on a live broadcast on Channel 14 that he had found a replacement for Central Command Chief Major General Avi Blut, stating that Major General Dado Bar Khalifa would be appointed in his place—which led the IDF to clarify that Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir has no intention of moving senior officers from their positions until 2027—the main news edition published quotes from a conversation between Zamir and Blut, during which the Chief of Staff told the Central Command Chief: "You have my full backing. You are not going anywhere."
The parties met this evening at Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office. Zamir added in the conversation: "You are doing an excellent job in lowering the level of terror in the territories, stay in the position until 2027." A senior officer told Channel 13 that "you don't fire a major general on television to the applause of the crowd. This is not a boxing ring." Also, the main edition reported this evening for the first time that PM Netanyahu was furious at Katz and demanded clarifications from him. In closed conversations, he said: "This is disgraceful conduct."
Meanwhile, this evening the Defense Minister said that "Major General Avi Blut was not fired" and that he "is performing his duties well. There is no dispute between us." The Chief of Staff ordered a halt to senior officer appointments until the beginning of 2027 and warned: "This is a sensitive period in Iran, and there is a danger of ignition in Judea and Samaria." In the Defense Minister's office, they pointed an accusing finger at Zamir, saying that "the Chief of Staff does not understand his place."
