On 31 August 2026, Israel's Defense Minister appointed Maj. Gen. Dado Bar Kalifa as the new IDF Central Command chief, replacing Avi Bluth who had warned against settler violence escalating tensions. The move followed public dismissal and reinstatement of the previous commander.
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Israel's Defense Minister approved Maj. Gen. Dado Bar Kalifa as incoming IDF Central Command chief — replacing Avi Bluth, who repeatedly warned Netanyahu that settler violence could ignite the West Bank. Katz announced Bluth's removal on live TV over a dispute about restrictions on a violent settler.
Maj.-Gen. Dado Bar Kalifa currently serves as the IDF Manpower Directorate chief. IDF chief Zamir had previously stated he would not make any senior appointments until 2027 due to elections.
The appointment comes after Defense Minister Israel Katz fired Avi Bluth's live on television, then retracted it a day later