Defense Minister Israel Katz Names Dado Bar-Kalifa as New Central Command Chief

In an unusual move, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced live on television the replacement of Major General Avi Blot as head of the IDF Central Command. Katz declared that Major General Dado Bar-Kalifa, currently the Chief of Staff of the IDF, will assume command of the Central Command. The appointment was made following the recommendation of the IDF Chief of Staff.

Katz criticized Blot during the interview on Channel 14's "The Patriots" program, citing a disagreement over legal appeals related to the case of settler Tal Yinon Dradik. Katz stated that Blot and the military prosecution filed an appeal against Dradik's release contrary to his policy, and he had raised the issue with the Chief of Staff. Katz emphasized that commanders must align with his policies, asserting, "I will stand firm on this."

The announcement follows a recent dispute where Blot appealed Katz's decision to accept an appeal against an administrative restriction order imposed on Dradik, who is suspected of abusing Palestinians and is currently on a hunger strike in detention. Katz criticized the issuance of the order, which was based on Shin Bet recommendations and implemented by Central Command, for procedural flaws and instructed not to renew it, seeking alternative solutions.

Blot and the Jerusalem District Attorney's Office appealed to the Jerusalem District Court to maintain the administrative order against Dradik. Katz expressed his desire for the Central Command to be more aggressive against enemies and protective of settlers. Blot assumed command in July 2024, making this a swift leadership change amid ongoing tensions over policy and legal approaches in the West Bank.