Defense Minister Katz and Central Command Chief Clash Over West Bank Refugee Camp Operations

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has publicly removed Central Command Chief Major General Avi Blot amid a growing dispute over military operations in West Bank refugee camps. The core of the disagreement centers on Katz's push for a broad offensive in the West Bank, particularly in Jenin and Tulkarm refugee camps, aimed at turning the tide in the fight against terrorism. According to security sources, Blot was reluctant to initiate such a large-scale operation and did not push for it. The operation reportedly had strategic effects, including militants fleeing to villages, destruction of terrorist infrastructure, and the IDF regaining freedom of action.

Katz is now advocating for further operations in additional refugee camps, but security officials say Blot is hesitant to advance such a wide campaign during this volatile period. This divergence in approach has heightened tensions between the defense minister and the Central Command chief, culminating in the recent public fallout.

Security sources also revealed that the appointment of Major General Dado Bar-Kalifa as the next Central Command chief was decided in May following a recommendation by Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, but the transition has been delayed due to Zamir's refusal to engage on the matter. Similarly, the replacement for the commander of the West Bank Division and the head of the Civil Administration remains unresolved since Brigadier General Hisham Ibrahim moved to serve as the military secretary to the defense minister.

These personnel delays are attributed to the ongoing tension between Katz and Zamir regarding the situation in the West Bank. While Katz pushes for extensive military operations, the IDF is reportedly cautious due to pressures on multiple fronts, including Lebanon, Syria, Gaza, the West Bank, and other borders.