Tali Gottlieb Criticizes Israel Katz Over Handling of IDF General's Dismissal Amid Political Tensions

MK Tali Gottlieb has publicly criticized Minister Israel Katz for his handling of the dismissal of IDF General Avi Blot, arguing that Katz should have stood firm behind the decision rather than apologizing. Gottlieb posted on X that Katz's apology, which described attempts to portray his remarks as a call for dismissal as "complete lies" and part of a "political campaign," showed he was yielding to pressure instead of supporting the removal of a general who allegedly defied his authority.

This confrontation is not the first between Gottlieb and Katz. In May, Katz delayed signing a confidentiality certificate necessary for criminal proceedings against Gottlieb, who faces charges for revealing classified Shin Bet information related to the identity of a protest activist’s partner. Gottlieb sarcastically criticized Katz’s role in enabling the indictment, while Katz pledged to assist her in fighting the removal of her parliamentary immunity. Their dispute revealed deep mistrust, with Gottlieb viewing Katz’s delay as harmful and Katz balancing formal duties with party loyalty.

The controversy over Blot’s dismissal has exposed broader political fractures within the right-wing coalition and Likud party. Several senior Likud officials privately criticized Katz’s approach, warning that politicizing IDF appointments could damage the army’s integrity. Katz defended his announcement as a planned move, accusing critics of distracting from the real issue of who will serve as defense minister in the future government. However, the manner of the announcement, made publicly in a televised interview without coordination with the IDF Chief of Staff, continues to fuel political debate, with Gottlieb and others emphasizing that Katz crossed a problematic line even within his own party.