Unusual Announcement: Katz Reignites Conflict with Israeli Army Chief

Israel Defense Minister Yisrael Katz’s unprecedented announcement regarding the replacement of the Central Command commander has reignited tensions between him and Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir.

Yesterday evening (Sunday), in an interview with Channel 14 Hebrew, Katz stated he intends to appoint Colonel Dado Bar Khalifa, former commander of the IDF’s 36th Brigade, as the new head of the Central Command, succeeding Colonel Avi Paltiel.

The announcement was made live on air, without prior notification to the Chief of Staff—contrary to established procedures for general appointments, according to a report by Channel 12 Israeli news.

During the broadcast, Katz said: “There is Colonel Dado Bar Khalifa, who served as commander of the 36th Brigade during IDF maneuvers—he is part of the generation of heroes and decisive leaders. I have announced my decision to implement this appointment and name him head of the Central Command. Incidentally, he was recommended by the Chief of Staff,” according to his words. When asked whether he trusted Bar Khalifa’s ability to carry out his policies, Katz responded affirmatively.

Shortly after the interview, the IDF spokesperson issued an unusual statement clarifying that the Defense Minister’s remarks do not align with those of the Chief of Staff.

The statement emphasized that Colonel Avi Paltiel “is leading the Central Command amid a complex reality with competence, courage, and sacrifice, and enjoys full confidence,” and that “the Chief of Staff does not intend to replace commanders in key positions during this sensitive period. When such a decision is made by the Chief of Staff, it will be approved following established procedures,” according to the wording.

Even before the official announcement, the IDF strongly criticized the decision in a conversation with N12 Channel. An military source said: “After the reappointment session, appointments will be announced in an organized manner—not through media statements.”

The source attacked Katz’s statements, calling them “a declaration with no basis whatsoever—nothing at all—except for the Likud party’s preliminary elections,” as he put it.

In response, the Defense Ministry office clarified that Chief of Staff Major General Eyal Zamir had recommended in late April to appoint Dado Bar Khalifa as head of the Central Command—and even requested that Katz conduct an interview with him for the position.

The statement noted that the minister had interviewed Bar Khalifa in June, prior to the Chief of Staff’s recommendation, and decided to announce the expected appointment in the upcoming round of appointments, according to Channel 12’s report.