New IDF West Bank chief appointed in wider deal between Zamir, Katz

IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir has approved Maj.-Gen. Dado Bar Kalifa as the new head of the IDF's Central Command, responsible for the West Bank, in a broader agreement with Defense Minister Israel Katz involving dozens of other senior appointments. Bar Kalifa, currently head of the Manpower Directorate, will replace Maj.-Gen. Avi Bluth in January 2027. This resolution follows a public dispute where Katz announced his intention to appoint Bar Kalifa, which Zamir initially rebuked, stating Katz lacked the authority without his approval. Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett criticized the decision, stating, “After it finished dismantling the IDF from the outside and ensuring mass draft evasion, the October 7 government has decided to dismantle the IDF from the inside and ensure total chaos.” The conflict also involved Katz's perceived hampering of Bluth's efforts against Jewish extremist violence, an issue that has seen an increase since Katz became defense minister.