Journalist Amichai Etali Criticizes Defense Minister Israel Katz for Public Dismissal of Central Command Chief Avi Blot

Journalist Amichai Etali sharply criticized Defense Minister Israel Katz's decision to publicly announce the dismissal of Central Command Chief Major General Avi Blot on live television. Etali condemned the move as politically motivated, aimed at internal Likud primaries, and damaging to state values. He described the timing and manner of the announcement on Channel 14 as humiliating and inappropriate, accusing Katz of prioritizing political gain over serious security considerations.

Etali highlighted Avi Blot's deep roots in the settlement movement, noting that Blot and his family have long been committed to Israel’s security and settlement efforts. He emphasized that Blot fought terrorism with all available means and developed agricultural projects to support the settlements. Etali contrasted Blot’s dedication with Katz’s populist approach, implying that Katz lacks the same Zionist and settlement credentials.

Addressing Blot directly, Etali praised his lifelong commitment to security and settlement in a challenging environment, lamenting that political favoritism led to his dismissal. He suggested that Blot’s family, devoted to education, settlement, and security, lacks political connections within Likud, which contributed to the decision. Etali concluded by asserting that no other officer would serve the settlement enterprise better than Blot and wished success to his successor, Major General Dado Bar-Kalifa.