Amid Live Broadcast Dismissal, Amit Segal Criticizes Defense Minister Israel Katz as 'Absolute Madness'

Following the live announcement of Major General Avi Blot's replacement as Central Command chief, Israeli journalist Amit Segal sharply criticized Defense Minister Israel Katz. Segal accused Katz of turning the Israel Defense Forces into a "Likud reality show" and called the decision "absolute madness." He highlighted that just eight months earlier, Katz had praised Blot as the best command general in decades.

The controversy erupted after Katz announced on Channel 14 that Brigadier General Dudu Bar Kalifa would succeed Blot, effectively ending Blot's tenure. This announcement came amid Katz's criticism of both Blot and IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir over their handling of a right-wing activist, Tal Yinon Dardik, including a military administrative order and an appeal against his release, which Katz claimed contradicted his policies.

The IDF stated that Katz's remarks were not coordinated with Zamir, affirmed full confidence in Blot, and declared no intention to replace key commanders during this sensitive period. Military officials strongly opposed Katz's move, asserting Blot would remain in his position. Meanwhile, the Defense Ministry claimed Zamir had recommended Bar Kalifa's appointment back in April, and Katz was merely announcing the expected promotion now.

Segal underscored the political nature of the dismissal, contrasting Katz's earlier praise with the sudden live announcement during the Likud primaries, questioning what had changed besides the political calendar and internal party dynamics. The incident reflects escalating tensions between the Defense Minister and the military leadership.