Defense Minister Katz tries to turn IDF into Likud primary battleground

Defense Minister Israel Katz attempted to fire Central Command chief Avi Bluth live on air without authority, according to an opinion column by Avi Benayahu in Maariv. The column claims Katz is harming state security and trying to turn the IDF into a primary battleground, and that Chief of Staff Zamir blocked the move.

In an opinion column in Maariv, Avi Benayahu sharply attacks Defense Minister Israel Katz, accusing him of attempting to fire Central Command chief Avi Bluth live on air without legal authority. Benayahu, a former adviser to defense ministers, claims Katz is acting against security interests and trying to turn the IDF into an arena of political pressure, exploiting his position to advance personal interests in the Likud primaries. He notes that the authority to dismiss and appoint generals rests solely with the Chief of Staff, and that Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir blocked the move. Benayahu also criticizes Prime Minister Netanyahu, who he says is silent and does not back the IDF. The column calls on Likud voters to express disgust at the minister's conduct and remove the government from office.