Israel Military Defies Defense Minister's Order to Fire West Bank Commander

A clash has erupted between Israel's military and Defense Minister Israel Katz after Katz dismissed the commander responsible for forces in the West Bank. The Israeli military (IDF) issued a statement asserting that the chief of staff will not alter key command roles during this sensitive period. Defense Minister Israel Katz announced on Sunday, live on television, that Avi Bluth, who oversees IDF operations in the West Bank, was being fired and replaced by Dado Bar-Khalifa. The military stated that the announcement was made without prior consultation with the IDF. According to the military's statement on Telegram, Bluth will not be replaced following the minister's declaration. The military added that any such decision would be made by the chief of staff and approved according to standard procedures. Israeli newspaper Haaretz reported that the attempt to replace Bluth is viewed as politically motivated. This follows Bluth's questioning of Katz's management of a right-wing settler. During the televised announcement, Katz described Bluth's criticism as a "misstep" and stated his preference for a military leader who "attacks his enemies and protects his settlers." Violence by settlers against Palestinians in the West Bank has recently intensified. Several IDF officers have urged settlers to exercise restraint. Haaretz has previously reported that officers want the government to tighten legal processes for settler groups organizing violent acts against Palestinian villages.

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The chief of staff will not change the roles of key commanders at this sensitive time.