For Katz, the truth isn't even an option

Minister Katz announced live on Channel 14 his intention to replace Central Command chief Avi Bluth, but did not actually dismiss him. The channel broadcast a "dismissal" for 12 hours, then retracted and blamed the media for fabricating a plot. Katz tried to present the move as dealing with a "rebellion of officers," but was forced to back down when settlers supported Bluth. The affair reveals the minister's use of the media for political purposes ahead of the primaries.

Minister Israel Katz announced in an interview on Channel 14 his intention to appoint a replacement for Central Command chief Avi Bluth, but did not actually dismiss him. Channel 14 broadcast a "live dismissal" for about 12 hours as a journalistic achievement, then retracted and accused the other media of spreading a "vile plot." Commentator Moti Kastel claimed it was all "lies and deceit" born in the channels of the "slaves." Katz tried to present the move as dealing with a "rebellion of officers," but was forced to back down when settlers stood by Bluth. Chief of Staff Zamir made clear that Bluth enjoys his full confidence and that the matter was not coordinated with him. The affair also includes Katz's claims about destroying the Iranian nuclear program, which the author doubts, and a discussion of the case of Tal Yanon Dardik, a resident of Binyamin suspected of abusing Palestinians, against whom Bluth issued an administrative restraining order.