The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced on Monday that Maj. Gen. Dado Bar Kalifa, currently head of the Manpower Directorate, will succeed Maj. Gen. Avi Bluth as commander of the Central Command in 2027. The announcement came nearly a month after Defense Minister Israel Katz abruptly declared the dismissal of Bluth during a live television broadcast, a decision that was quickly reversed the following day.

The IDF statement confirmed Bar Kalifa’s appointment but did not specify any new role for Bluth. Bar Kalifa, born in 1976, enlisted in 1995 with the Golani Brigade and has since held various positions, including service in the Givati Brigade and a role as Ground Forces Command liaison officer to the United States.

Minister Katz’s initial announcement occurred on August 2 during a live broadcast on Channel 14 News, when he stated his decision to remove Bluth as head of the Central Command. Following this declaration, the military indicated that no senior IDF appointments would be made until early 2027, after the upcoming parliamentary election scheduled for October 27.

The decision to delay further appointments was communicated by Chief of Staff Herzi Zamir to senior officers, signaling a cautious approach amid political developments. The Central Command plays a crucial role in overseeing military operations in the West Bank, a region of ongoing security concerns for Israel.

Bar Kalifa’s extensive experience within frontline units and his liaison work with the United States positions him as a seasoned figure for the Central Command role. His appointment is expected to take effect in the coming year, aligning with routine military personnel rotations and strategic considerations following the national election.