On the evening of the 2nd (local time) Israeli defense minister Katz told a live
TV program he was removing IDF Central Command commander Avi Blut and named Maj.
Gen. Dado Bar Kalifa, head of the IDF Personnel Directorate, as his proposed
successor. In the early hours of the 3rd the IDF issued a statement rebutting
Katz’s announcement, saying the move was made without coordination with IDF
Chief of Staff Zamir. The IDF said Chief of Staff Zamir has no intention of
replacing commanders in key posts during this sensitive period and that any such
decision would follow established approval procedures. Blut has served as
Central Command commander since July 2024; the post typically carries a two- to
three-year term.
