Defense Minister Katz Sparks Controversy by Ousting Central Command Chief Avi Blot

Defense Minister Israel Katz's move to remove Major General Avi Blot from his position as head of the IDF Central Command reflects the legacy of Netanyahu's government, characterized by undermining established norms and employing populist politics in military decisions. Critics argue that such dismissals should follow proper procedures rather than public humiliation, as this damages national security and the trust between citizens, the government, and the military, a trust already fractured since October 7.

Blot, himself a settler, reportedly faced removal because he was perceived as insufficiently aggressive or resolute. He allegedly allowed red lines to be softened and tolerated fringe settler groups establishing facts on the ground. He also did not oppose Katz's decision to cancel administrative detentions, which weakened efforts to curb Jewish terrorism. Katz's stated reason for Blot's dismissal was his refusal to comply regarding the administrative detention of a single suspect, signaling Katz's desire to install a loyalist.

This action follows Katz's previous interventions, including rejecting the appointment of an Air Force commander, opposing Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir to promote his military secretary, and attempting to control the Washington military attaché appointment. Zamir criticized Katz's approach, warning it undermines proper security management and resembles political primaries rather than defense governance. Major General Dado Bar-Kalifa is advised to reject this politicized path if considered for Central Command, as association with such maneuvers could tarnish his reputation regardless of Katz's tenure or political success.