Defense Minister Katz Affirms Support for Central Command Chief Amid Controversy

Defense Minister Israel Katz met on Monday evening with leaders from Judea and Samaria at the Kirya in Tel Aviv to address the recent controversy sparked by his live interview on Channel 14. The meeting focused on strengthening settlements and combating Palestinian terrorism. Katz emphasized that Central Command Chief Major General Avi Blot "performs his duties well" and is fully supported, denying any dispute between them.

Later, Katz also met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi, with whom tensions had risen following the interview. The Chief of Staff reaffirmed his backing of Major General Blot, while Netanyahu sought explanations from Katz regarding the public announcement of the appointment of Major General Dado Bar-Kalifa as the new Central Command chief. The joint statement issued after the meetings clarified that Blot was not dismissed, countering earlier interpretations of Katz’s remarks as a public firing.

The Judea and Samaria local leaders, including Yesha Council Chairman Israel Gantz, Samaria Regional Council head Yossi Dagan, and Ma'ale Adumim Mayor Guy Yifrah, expressed strong support for Katz’s security policies. They praised achievements during his tenure, such as recognition of 104 new settlements and 160 agricultural farms, the return of IDF bases to northern Samaria, and the establishment of pre-military preparatory programs in the Jordan Valley. The leaders also highlighted the offensive operations in terror camps in Jenin, Tulkarm, and Nur al-Shams, which reportedly reduced terror incidents by about 80 percent.

The meeting concluded with a rejection of the campaign against Katz and Major General Blot, with a commitment to continue close cooperation to enhance security and settlement development in the region. Earlier on Monday, Katz issued a detailed clarification denying claims that he dismissed Blot during the interview, stating the decision to appoint Bar-Kalifa had been made months prior and that portraying it as a dismissal was "an absolute lie."