Defense Minister Israel Katz said Monday that IDF Central Command chief Maj. Gen. Avi Bluth, the army’s top officer in the West Bank, is “performing his duties well,” further walking back his apparent attempt to replace the commander on live TV just a day earlier.

The statement came shortly after a Channel 13 report said the defense minister’s initial denunciation of Bluth had infuriated Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Katz set off an extraordinary public clash with the military Sunday night when he denounced Bluth, and announced the general’s replacement during a pro-government talk show. Katz, as defense minister, does not have the authority to unilaterally fire Bluth.

The military quickly put out a sharp statement saying Bluth would remain in his post.

Katz has since denied that he was calling for the commander’s imminent dismissal, calling that interpretation of his words a “complete lie.” But he also claimed that IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir had wanted to replace Bluth.

Channel 13 reported Monday that Netanyahu was furious at Katz over the debacle, calling his conduct “obscene behavior” and demanding a clarification from him.

Katz’s office denied that he spoke with Netanyahu about the subject, and asserted that the Prime Minister’s Office also denied that any such conversation took place.

Zamir also reaffirmed his support for Bluth, telling him during a General Staff forum meeting, “You have my full support. You’re not going anywhere,” according to Hebrew media reports.

Katz says ‘no disagreement’ between him and Bluth

Shortly after the report that Netanyahu had been enraged by the fiasco, Katz’s office issued a statement about a meeting he held on Monday with settlement mayors and heads of regional councils in the West Bank.

During the meeting, Katz “emphasized that the IDF is acting in accordance with government policy, that Central Command chief Maj. Gen. Avi Bluth has not been dismissed, and that he supports and backs........

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