Defense Minister Israel Katz Denies Calls to Remove Central Command Chief Amid Controversy

Defense Minister Israel Katz responded on Monday to the widespread controversy over his recent remarks on the Patriotim TV show regarding Central Command Chief Avi Blot. Katz denied that he called for Blot's removal, calling such claims "an absolute lie" and part of a political campaign against the government. He clarified that on April 24, it was reported that the Chief of Staff recommended appointing Major General Dado Bar-Kalifa, head of the Logistics Directorate, as the new Central Command chief. On July 28, Katz said he accepted this recommendation after interviewing Bar-Kalifa and deciding he was the most suitable candidate, proceeding with the appointment according to protocol.

Katz emphasized that during the interview, when a participant called for the dismissal of the current Central Command chief, he immediately and clearly responded "no," and this exchange was recorded. He stressed that the appointment process was already underway months before the interview, so claims that the decision followed the interview are factually incorrect. Katz described the controversy as a media attempt to divert attention from the real issue: the potential appointment of Yair Golan as defense minister in a government led by Benny Gantz, which Katz warned could lead to reinstating officials from an "old ideology" that might harm settlements and Israel's security. Katz concluded by asserting that such a scenario did not and would not happen under his watch.