Katz tries to walk back on-air removal of top general, as opposition, allies call to oust Katz
Defense Minister Israel Katz on Monday attempted to walk back his live-on-television announcement that he was removing IDF Central Command chief Maj. Gen. Avi Bluth from his post, as a broad array of critics, and even allies, accused him of undermining the independence of the military for cheap political gains ahead of the Likud party primaries.Speaking with the right-wing Channel 14 news late Sunday, Katz announced that Bluth would be removed from his post and replaced, denouncing the top West Bank general for contravening his policy by seeking to renew an administrative restraining order against a violent settler, and declaring that this was unacceptable.Katz told the live TV studio audience, therefore, that he had decided to appoint IDF Personnel Directorate chief Maj. Gen. Dado Bar Kalifa as the next Central Command chief, replacing Bluth. “In any case, it was intended — there is the general, Dado Bar Kalifa, who was…
Defense Minister Israel Katz attempted to retract his live television announcement on Sunday that he was removing IDF Central Command chief Maj. Gen. Avi Bluth from his post. Katz had denounced Bluth for contravening his policy by seeking to renew an administrative restraining order against a violent settler. The military quickly issued a statement clarifying that Bluth would remain in his position, as the defense minister lacks the authority to unilaterally dismiss senior army officers. IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir reportedly froze senior appointments until after the general election to protect the army from political interference. The incident drew widespread criticism from opposition lawmakers, former defense chiefs, and even settlement council heads, with many calling for Katz's ouster. Former Defense Minister Benny Gantz stated, "The politicization of the IDF is not governance, it’s a real danger."
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