Accra: Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has sparked a political and military storm after announcing the dismissal of Avi Bluth, the army's Central Command chief, during a televised interview amid opposition from Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir.
According to Anadolu Agency, Katz revealed during an interview with Channel 14 that he decided to remove Bluth from his position, appointing Dado Bar Kalifa as his replacement. The Central Command is responsible for overseeing the occupied West Bank, an area currently experiencing a significant escalation in violence by Israeli occupiers against Palestinians and their properties.
The conflict between Katz and Bluth reportedly began when Bluth opposed Katz's decision to release far-right activist Tal Yanon Dardik, accused of launching attacks against Palestinian civilians. Dardik is suspected of involvement in a brutal attack in the Palestinian village of Khirbet Humsa, where he allegedly subjected a Palestinian man to sexual torture.
Katz visited Dardik in prison in July and expressed dissatisfaction with Bluth and the military prosecution's appeal against Dardik's release, stating that it opposed his policy.
The Israeli army released a statement indicating that Katz's remarks were not coordinated with Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, who did not intend to replace commanders during this sensitive period. Katz's office countered by claiming that Zamir had previously recommended Bar Kalifa for the position.
The decision has drawn widespread criticism from various political and military figures. Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett criticized the move, while former army chief Gadi Eisenkot expressed concerns about the deterioration in political-military relations. Opposition lawmakers and former military officials have also voiced their discontent, with some calling for Katz's dismissal.
Yair Golan, leader of the opposition Democrats party, described the incident as a "political terrorist attack" against the Israel Defense Forces, criticizing the government's handling of military appointments.
Despite the backlash, some members of the far-right political party Jewish Power supported Katz's decision, criticizing Bluth's command over the treatment of occupiers.
Since the escalation of violence in Gaza on Oct. 8, 2023, Israeli attacks across the West Bank have resulted in significant Palestinian casualties and arrests, raising concerns over Israel's intentions regarding the annexation of the West Bank.