Dado Bar Kalifa Tapped to Lead IDF Central Command in 2027

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced a significant reshuffling of senior officers on Monday evening, following approval from Defense Minister Israel Katz. The most prominent appointment is Major General Dado Bar Kalifa, who is slated to take command of the IDF Central Command in 2027, succeeding Major General Avi Bluth. This appointment had previously generated controversy three weeks prior when Katz publicly announced Bar Kalifa's future role during a live interview on Channel 14, while also sharply criticizing Bluth.

Bar Kalifa, born in 1976, joined the IDF in 1995. His career includes service in the Golani and Givati brigades, commanding the Gaza Division's Southern Brigade from 2014 to 2016, and later leading the Givati Brigade. During the "Swords of Iron" war, he commanded the 36th Ga'ash Division during the ground maneuver in central Gaza. He subsequently headed the IDF's Manpower Directorate.

His upcoming role as head of the Central Command will place him in charge of major strategic responsibilities, including IDF operations in Judea and Samaria. Alongside Bar Kalifa's appointment, Defense Minister Katz approved dozens of other command changes. These include Colonel Bar Bashan leading the Givati Brigade, Colonel Eitan Gilad commanding the Nahal Brigade, Colonel Ran Friedman taking charge of the Paratroopers Brigade, and Colonel Shimon Siso leading the Commando Brigade.

Further appointments include Colonel Nir Ifergan to head the Kfir Brigade, Colonel Yonatan Meir commanding the 7th Armored "Saar me-Golan" Brigade, and Colonel Tal Elkobi leading the 188th "Barak" Brigade. Colonel Efrat Kikuv will head the 282nd Artillery Brigade. The reshuffling extends to military intelligence, the air force, the navy, and the Technology and Logistics Directorate, with several lieutenant colonels promoted to colonel for new roles.

Notably, an un-named brigadier general will command the special operations division of Military Intelligence. The Israeli Navy will also see new commanders for the elite naval commando unit Shayetet 13, the submarine flotilla Shayetet 7, and the missile ship flotilla Shayetet 3, whose identities were not disclosed. This extensive series of appointments signifies a broad renewal of the Israeli military hierarchy across combat brigades, intelligence, logistics, and strategic units.