Crisis Deepens Between Israeli Defense Minister and Army

The decision by Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz to replace Major General Avi Bluth, the commander of the Central Region responsible for the occupied West Bank, with Dado Bar Kalifa, has caused a significant crisis between the army's high command and the government. This development led to a flurry of activity in the office of Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu. Katz claimed the decision was made by General Eyal Zamir, but the Israeli army denied this, stating that the appointment or dismissal process was not coordinated with the Chief of Staff. The army stated that Major General Bluth has the full trust of the Chief of Staff and that no changes in the high command are planned. Israeli media outlets suggested that the underlying cause of this tension is the disagreement over illegal Israeli settlements. The reaction of Katz to Bluth's objection to the release of Tal Yanon Dardik, known for violent acts against Palestinians, is seen as a significant factor.