Katz vs IDF: Israeli military rejects defense minister's announcement to replace West Bank chief

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced on live TV the replacement of IDF Central Command chief Maj. Gen. Avi Bluth with Maj. Gen. Dado Bar Kalifa, but the IDF rejected the move, saying Bluth would remain.

Katz accused Bluth of acting against government policy by seeking to renew an administrative restraining order against settler Tal Yinon Dardik, suspected of a violent attack on Palestinians.

The IDF stated the announcement was not coordinated with Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, who had no plans to replace commanders in key operational positions.

Katz's office argued that Zamir had recommended Bar Kalifa months ago, and the announcement was for a future round of postings.

Opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot called the move improper and unlawful, warning against politicizing the military.