After dissing IDF West Bank chief, announcing replacement on live TV, Katz now says he’s doing ‘well,’ isn’t ousted

Defense Minister Israel Katz on Monday sought to quell a significant public dispute he ignited, stating that IDF Central Command chief Maj. Gen. Avi Bluth is "performing his duties well." This statement came just a day after Katz publicly denounced Bluth and announced his replacement during a televised talk show, an act reportedly infuriating Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

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The minister added that Maj. Gen. Bluth is performing his duties well and that there is no disagreement between them.

The initial denunciation by Katz, who lacks the authority to unilaterally dismiss Bluth, triggered a swift response from the military. The IDF quickly issued a statement confirming Bluth would remain in his position. Katz subsequently denied he was calling for Bluth's dismissal, labeling such an interpretation a "complete lie," while also claiming the IDF Chief of Staff had desired Bluth's replacement.

Adding to the confusion, Channel 13 reported that Netanyahu was enraged by Katz's actions, describing them as "obscene behavior" and demanding an explanation. Katz's office denied any conversation with Netanyahu on the matter, a claim seemingly corroborated by the Prime Minister's Office. Meanwhile, IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir publicly backed Bluth, assuring him of "full support" and stating, "You're not going anywhere."

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You have my full support. You’re not going anywhere.

Later, Katz's office issued a statement following a meeting with West Bank settlement leaders. The statement emphasized that the IDF operates according to government policy, Bluth has not been dismissed, and that Katz supports all IDF commanders. Katz's office also relayed that local authority heads expressed "tremendous appreciation" for Bluth's leadership and security efforts, rejecting what they termed a "campaign against the defense minister and the Central Command chief."

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obscene behavior