Defense Minister Israel Katz announced that Maj. Gen. Dado Bar Kalifa will replace Maj. Gen. Avi Bluth as head of the IDF Central Command.
Katz revealed the appointment during an appearance on Channel 14’s The Patriots, saying Bar Kalifa had been recommended by IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir. Sources familiar with the process said the change had been planned in advance and was part of a broader rotation of senior commands, rather than an unexpected dismissal.
The announcement nevertheless triggered political controversy. MK Limor Son Har Melech welcomed the decision and criticized Bluth’s handling of security and settler-related issues in Judea and Samaria.
Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and former IDF chief Gadi Eisenkot condemned the move, accusing the government of politicizing military appointments.
The Yesha Council defended Bluth’s security record and said regional leaders expected to meet Katz regarding the transition.
