Defense Minister Katz Clashes with Central Command Chief Over Yaniv Dardik Restrictions

A rare and intense conflict has erupted within Israel's defense leadership between Defense Minister Israel Katz and Central Command Chief Avi Blot. Katz expressed anger over Blot's appeal against the decision to lift restrictions on right-wing activist Yaniv Dardik, who is suspected of abusing Palestinians and involved in nationalist crimes. Katz sent a sharp message to Blot stating, "I will not tolerate disregard for government policy." Although Katz does not have direct command authority over Blot, he can impose measures limiting his actions.

The dispute follows a recent meeting on Friday between Katz, his special project officer for handling youth in the West Bank settlements, retired Lt. Col. Avichai Tenaami, and Dardik, who is currently held in detention. Katz offered alternatives to Dardik’s house arrest, which Dardik rejected, requesting to stay at his or his parents' home. Subsequently, Katz announced acceptance of the appeal against the restriction order on Dardik.

Dardik has faced multiple restriction orders since 2015, starting when he was 17, including the current one and a period of administrative house arrest at the end of 2023. However, the conflict escalated when Blot and the Jerusalem District Prosecutor’s Office filed an appeal to the Jerusalem District Court demanding the administrative order against Dardik remain in place, directly challenging Katz’s position and intensifying the internal dispute.