Defense Minister Katz rejects claims he called for IDF Central Command chief's dismissal

Defense Minister Israel Katz on Monday denied claims that he called for the dismissal of IDF Central Command chief Maj.-Gen. Avi Bluth, labeling the accusation a "lie" and a political campaign. Katz stated that during a Sunday interview, when a participant suggested dismissing Bluth, he immediately responded, "No." He added that the appointment process for Maj.-Gen. Dado Bar Khalifa to Central Command commander had been ongoing for months, refuting any link between the interview and the decision.