Uproar in Israel after Defence Minister dismisses pro-settlement general on live TV

Israel's military found itself in turmoil after Defence Minister Israel Katz shocked viewers by dismissing Maj Gen Avi Bluth on a live right-wing TV program. The move sparked widespread outrage, with critics alleging the government was prioritizing political gain over legal integrity. Katz opted to appoint Maj Gen Dado Bar Kalifa, the former head of Central Command, to replace Bluth.

This decision came after Bluth had ordered the detention of settler Tal Yinon Dardik, accused of violent attacks against Palestinians. Dardik resides on an unauthorized outpost within Area B of the West Bank, a region subject to Palestinian civil jurisdiction.

The Israeli military staunchly defended Bluth, asserting that the chief of staff had no intention of replacing key commanders during this delicate period. Bluth, frequently criticized by the far-right settlement movement for his detention order, had previously told residents living on illegal outposts that he appreciated their efforts.

Despite Katz's claim that the military had appealed the cancellation of the detention order "against my position," he later denied announcing the replacement live on air. Instead, he denounced the move as a "complete lie" and a component of a politically motivated campaign against his government.

Katz's remarks were delivered during a panel on Channel 14, a popular right-wing show where government ministers frequently appear. Katz, a senior member of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud party, has a history of criticizing and altering the use of administrative detention orders against Jews while simultaneously advocating for their continued use against Palestinians.

This practice permits authorities to detain individuals without trial, citing potential future law violations. Opposition parties swiftly condemned Katz's announcement, with Yair Golan of the Democrats labelling it as "crossing a red line" and signifying the government's "loss of all restraint." Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, a settler leader, branded the dismissal "crazy" and attributed it to ministers acting under the influence of "deranged entities."

Even supporters of Israel's settlement movement rallied behind Bluth. Shai Alon, the mayor of settlement Beit El, denounced Katz's actions as an "absolute disgrace," highlighting the fact that Bluth oversaw the establishment of 104 settlements. The Yesha Council, an umbrella organization representing settlements, commended Bluth for his role in "developing" these outposts.