Defense Minister Katz Affirms Central Command Chief Blot’s Role Amid Controversy

Defense Minister Israel Katz met on Monday evening at the Kirya in Tel Aviv with leaders from Judea and Samaria to discuss the security situation, ongoing efforts against Palestinian terrorism, and advancing settlement development in the region. During the meeting, Katz addressed recent controversy sparked by his interview on "The Patriots" program, clarifying that Central Command Chief Major General Avi Blot has not been dismissed and is performing his duties well. Katz emphasized there is no dispute between them and stated that the IDF operates according to government policy.

The regional leaders expressed support for Katz’s policies, highlighting recent steps such as the recognition of 104 new settlements and 160 agricultural farms, the return of IDF bases to northern Samaria, establishment of pre-military preparatory programs and Nahal groups in the Jordan Valley, cancellation of administrative detention orders against settlers, and intensified operations against terror infrastructure in refugee camps in Jenin, Tulkarm, and Nur al-Shams. They stressed that the settlements represent a strategic and security asset for Israel and praised Major General Blot for his leadership and achievements in security and settlement advancement.

The leaders also rejected the campaign against both the defense minister and the Central Command chief. Participants included Israel Gantz, chairman of the Yesha Council and head of the Binyamin Regional Council; Yossi Dagan, head of the Shomron Regional Council; Guy Yifrah, mayor of Ma'ale Adumim; Dovi Shapira, head of the Efrat Council; Uzi Al-Tik, head of the Kedumim Council; Yehonatan Kuznitz, head of the Karnei Shomron Council; Eyal Gilman, head of the Hebron Council; Eliram Azulai, head of the Har Hebron Regional Council; Asaf Mintzer, head of the Elkana Council; Or Piron Zomer, head of the Oranit Council; and Hagai Tam, CEO of the Yesha Council. The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue cooperation to enhance resident security and settlement development.