Katz's Irresponsibility Raises Doubts About His Fitness as Defense Minister

Defense Minister Israel Katz announced live on Channel 14 his intention to dismiss Central Command Chief Avi Bluth, a move seen as exceeding his authority and sparking political turmoil. Commentator Ron Ben-Yishai claims Katz acts from political considerations and harms the army's stateliness. According to Ben-Yishai, Katz acted with complete lack of authority, since under Basic Law: The Military, appointments and dismissals in the IDF are the authority of Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, and the Defense Minister is supposed only to approve or not approve. Katz also faced criticism for canceling the administrative detention of Tal Yanon Dardik, suspected of sexual abuse of a Palestinian, and for his intervention in the issue of ultra-Orthodox conscription. Ben-Yishai calls on Katz to vacate his office, claiming he is a "full-time political operative" unfit for the role.