Hagai Segal Condemns Defense Minister Katz's Live Dismissal of IDF Commander Blot

Journalist Hagai Segal sharply criticized Defense Minister Israel Katz's live announcement on Channel 14 regarding the dismissal of Major General Avi Blot, commander of the IDF Central Command. Segal expressed deep embarrassment and outrage over the manner in which Katz handled the personnel decision, highlighting that the announcement was made publicly before Blot was even consulted.

Segal praised Blot as one of the most outstanding and diligent commanders to have served at the Kfir Brigade base, emphasizing his exceptional achievements in counterterrorism operations in areas such as Nablus, Tulkarm, and Jenin. He noted Blot's personal background as a supporter of settlements, having grown up in Neve Tzuf, and dismissed any suspicion that Blot acted against government policies.

Calling the Defense Minister's conduct "a level of madness," Segal urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to remove Katz from his position by the next morning. Segal's comments came during a live broadcast on Channel 12 news, reflecting widespread controversy over the abrupt and public nature of the dismissal.

The incident underscores tensions within the Israeli defense establishment and raises questions about the political handling of military leadership amid ongoing security challenges in the West Bank.