Zamir freezes General Staff appointments until 2027 amid political crisis
Amidst the election campaign and multi-front conflict, IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir has announced a freeze on Major General appointments until early 2027. The move ensures that Central Command chief Avi Bluth will remain in his role for at least three more years, despite Defense Minister Israel Katz's attempts to replace him.
IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir has informed the General Staff Forum and candidates for promotion that he will not appoint any Major Generals until the beginning of 2027 due to the ongoing election campaign in Israel. The immediate implication is that the commander of the Central Command, Major General Avi Bluth, will remain in his position, completing at least three years in the role by the summer of 2027.
With this statement, the Chief of Staff aims to convey stability to senior officers currently facing turmoil following remarks by Defense Minister Israel Katz, all while the IDF remains engaged in combat on multiple fronts, primarily against Iran. A senior officer told Ynet: "The IDF is on high alert and has effectively returned to war with Iran. Tensions remain high, and fighting continues in the Gaza Strip, the West Bank, and Lebanon. The last thing the Major Generals need is political interference in the army."
The Chief of Staff has consistently backed Major General Bluth, praising his work in the West Bank. He noted that the number of terrorist attacks has decreased during Bluth's tenure; last year, 20 Israelis were killed, compared to four so far this year, despite an increased Israeli presence in settlements and agricultural farms. Bluth is supported by settlement leaders, including Minister in the Ministry of Defense Bezalel Smotrich, who described him as the best commander the Central Command has ever had.
The situation escalated yesterday when Defense Minister Katz announced on Channel 14 that he had chosen Major General Dado Bar Khalifa to replace Bluth, claiming the appointment was made on the recommendation of the Chief of Staff. This announcement followed a dispute regarding legal restriction orders for suspects accused of abusing Palestinians.
The IDF Spokesperson stated that Katz's remarks "were not coordinated with the Chief of Staff," adding that there is no intention to replace commanders in key positions during this sensitive period. Any such decision would only be made by the Chief of Staff in accordance with established procedures.
Political leaders have strongly criticized the Defense Minister's conduct. Naftali Bennett stated that the government is "dismantling the IDF from the inside," while Avigdor Lieberman called the move incompetent. Benny Gantz warned that attempting to turn IDF appointments into part of the Likud primary campaign is damaging to national security.
