Israel Katz vs. Avi Bluth: How the Conflict Over a Settler Suspected of Violence Ended

IDF Central Command chief Avi Bluth amended an administrative order against settler Tal Inon Dardik, suspected of nationalist violence: instead of house arrest, he will be removed from Judea and Samaria. The decision came after a court deemed the previous order unenforceable, amid a conflict with Defense Minister Israel Katz, who demanded the arrest be canceled.

On August 10, IDF Central Command chief Major General Avi Bluth amended an administrative order against Tal Inon Dardik, a settler suspected of involvement in nationalist violence. Instead of house arrest, Dardik will be removed from Judea and Samaria but must report to a police station in Modi'in Illit twice daily. This decision resulted from a conflict between Bluth and Defense Minister Israel Katz, who demanded the order be canceled and even threatened dismissal. The Jerusalem District Court earlier deemed the original order unenforceable, obliging Bluth to make a new decision within 48 hours. Dardik is suspected of participating in an attack on Palestinians in the village of Khirbet Khomsa on the night of March 12-13, 2026, when a group of settlers beat residents, committed sexual violence, and stole sheep. He has not been charged due to lack of evidence, but security services claim they have intelligence about his involvement. Dardik's lawyer denies the allegations. Dardik himself refused alternatives, including an electronic bracelet, and became a symbol of the fight against administrative orders. Ynet notes pressure on Katz from right-wing forces during the primaries.