Israel Katz vs. the Generals: The Appointment Storm Exposes the Battle Over Security Policy

Defense Minister Israel Katz announced live on air the replacement of Central Command chief Avi Bluth with Dado Bar Kalifa, revealing a deep struggle between the political and military echelons over shaping security policy. The article argues that the October 7 failure was cultural, and that the IDF suffers from deep conceptual homogeneity. It examines the possibility that the High Court of Justice will intervene in the appointment, and the author calls on Katz to act firmly and precisely while maintaining civilian control.

Defense Minister Israel Katz announced live on air the replacement of Central Command chief Avi Bluth with Dado Bar Kalifa. The move exposed a deep struggle between the political and military echelons over shaping security policy. The article argues that the IDF bears heavy responsibility for the October 7 failure, and that the failure was cultural, not just intelligence-related. It describes a 'Wexnerization' - a change in the character of the commander, from a military leader to a risk manager. It claims that conceptual homogeneity has formed in the General Staff, and that former generals have integrated into left-wing parties. The appointment of Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir is seen as problematic due to his reservations. The article discusses the possibility that a petition to the High Court of Justice will intervene in the appointment, but assesses that a petition to oust Katz would be weak. It calls on Katz to act firmly and precisely, while maintaining civilian control over the military.