West Bank Local Leaders Back Central Command Chief Avi Blot, Urge Defense Minister to Halt Public Command Change Announcement

Local leaders from Judea, Samaria, and the Jordan Valley have issued a statement expressing strong support for Central Command Chief Major General Avi Blot. They urged Defense Minister Yoav Gallant to reconsider his plan to publicly announce the command change, arguing that such a public declaration disrespects IDF commanders. The leaders praised Blot for dedicating his life to Israel's security and noted his significant achievements in combating terrorism in the West Bank. They described him as a professional, values-driven, and proactive commander who is highly respected by settlement leadership and residents.

While acknowledging their appreciation for Defense Minister Gallant's efforts to strengthen the settlements, the local heads emphasized that announcing a senior command change live on air undermines the dignity of IDF commanders. They called on the minister to reverse both the decision and the manner of its execution. The statement was signed by heads of regional councils including Eyal Gilman (Hebron), Eliyahu Gafni (Emmanuel), Asaf Mintzer (Elkana), Dovi Shapira (Efrat), David Elhayani (Jordan Valley), Haim Mendel Shaked (Har Adar), Yair Shitbon (Ariel), Yossi Assraf (Givat Ze'ev), Yaron Rosenthal (Gush Etzion), Israel Bramson (Kiryat Arba), Uziel Vatik (Kedumim), Shay Alon (Beit El), Sharon Alfasi (Beit Aryeh), and Ze'ev Hever, Secretary General of Amana.

The statement reflects tensions surrounding military leadership changes in the West Bank amid ongoing security challenges and highlights the political sensitivity of public announcements regarding IDF command shifts in contested areas.