Israel Katz Dismisses West Bank Commander Avi Bluth on Live TV

Defense Minister Israel Katz Dismisses Avi Bluth in Live Broadcast

According to SvD, Katz announced during a live television broadcast that Avi Bluth, the commander responsible for military operations on the West Bank, was being fired and would be replaced by Dado Bar-Khalifa.

The announcement caught the military leadership completely off guard. The Israel Defense Forces stated that the decision was made and communicated without any prior consultation or notification given to the military command.

Military Refuses Reassignment and Challenges Political Intervention

The military responded swiftly and publicly to the defense minister’s televised declaration. In an official statement distributed via Telegram, the Israel Defense Forces rejected the immediate substitution, asserting that The chief of staff will not change key commanders’ roles during this sensitive time.

Furthermore, the military emphasized that Avi Bluth would remain in his post despite the minister’s public decree, noting that any future leadership changes would be handled strictly through proper institutional channels.

Palestinian Authorities Ask Supreme Court To Pause $655.5M Judgment

When such a decision is eventually made, it will be made by the chief of staff and approved in accordance with applicable procedures. Israel Defense Forces, official statement via Telegram

Tensions Over West Bank Settlements and Officer Discontent

According to the Israeli newspaper Haaretz, the attempt to oust Avi Bluth is widely viewed as politically motivated. The friction stems from Bluth previously questioning Katz’s handling of a far-right settler on the West Bank. During his television appearance, Katz acknowledged this friction, describing Bluth’s criticism as a misstep while adding that he expects a military that attacks its enemies and protects its settlers.

This clash occurs against a backdrop of escalating settler violence directed at Palestinians on the West Bank. Recent conditions have prompted several military officers to appeal directly for calm among settlers. Additionally, previous reporting by Haaretz indicates that military officers have been urging the government to enforce stricter legal proceedings against settler groups involved in organizing violent attacks against Palestinian villages.