Israeli Occupation Defense Minister Dismisses Central Command Commander Live on Air - Sarmad

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced the appointment of Major General Dado Bar-Lev, head of the Israeli military’s Human Resources Directorate, as the new commander of the Central Command, succeeding Major General Avi Blau. The announcement was made during a live television interview, in a move described by Israeli media as unprecedented.

According to the Times of Israel, Katz clarified during an interview with Channel 14 that Bar-Lev’s appointment came at the recommendation of the Chief of Staff of the Israeli military. However, Blau had served only about two years in his post since assuming command of the Central Command in July 2024, making his early termination of duty at this time an unusual development.

The decision comes amid escalating tensions between Katz and Blau, following the Central Command commander’s refusal last week to accept the Defense Minister’s decision to approve an appeal against an administrative detention order imposed on settler Tal Yonatan Dardik, who is accused of assaulting Palestinians and remains in custody.

Such orders allow authorities to impose restrictions or revoke certain rights from individuals deemed a threat by the authorities. Katz had previously stated his position after visiting Dardik at his place of detention.