IDF Chief Reaffirms Central Commander's Position Amid Defense Minister's Replacement Claims

A day after Defense Minister Yoav Galant announced live on Channel 14 that he had found a replacement for Central Command Chief Major General Avi Blot, IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir clarified that he has no intention of removing senior officers from their posts until 2027. Zamir and Blot spoke on Sunday evening, during which Zamir assured Blot, "You have my full backing. You are not going anywhere." The two also met later that evening with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Zamir praised Blot's efforts in reducing terrorism levels in the West Bank and confirmed he would remain in his role until 2027. A senior officer told Channel 13 that "you don't dismiss a general on live television to the applause of the crowd; this is not a boxing ring." Meanwhile, Netanyahu reportedly expressed anger at Galant's announcement, calling it "inappropriate behavior" and demanding clarifications.

The controversy escalated after Galant issued a statement claiming he did not dismiss Blot and that the appointment process for Major General Dado Bar Kalifa had been underway for months. Zamir ordered a freeze on senior officer appointments until early 2027, citing a sensitive period due to tensions with Iran and potential unrest in the West Bank. Galant's office accused Zamir of misunderstanding his role.

Galant emphasized that on April 24, the Chief of Staff recommended Bar Kalifa for Central Command, and on July 28, Galant accepted this recommendation after interviewing Bar Kalifa. He denied claims that the decision was made following the interview, stating the process was already in motion. Galant described the media uproar as a distraction from the real issue: concerns over former Deputy Chief of Staff Yair Golan potentially becoming Defense Minister and reinstating old military leadership, which Galant argues would harm Israeli security and settlements.

About a week earlier, reports surfaced that Galant sent a threatening message to Blot following the arrest of right-wing activist Tal Yinon Dradik amid rising West Bank clashes. Blot challenged Galant's decision, prompting Galant to warn he would not tolerate non-compliance with government policy. Galant claimed he had instructed that administrative detentions would not be used, although Dradik's arrest was not administrative. It was later revealed that Dradik's brother is a parliamentary advisor to Likud MK Amit Halevi, who, along with other lawmakers and ministers including Galant, has campaigned for Dradik's release.