The IDF spokesperson published a condemnation statement from IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir regarding an opinion piece published in Haaretz, in which journalist Gideon Levy called the Central Command commander, Major General Avi Blot, a "blood general, war criminal." The statement said the Chief of Staff "strongly condemns the horrific and inciting publication against Central Command commander, Major General Avi Blot, and condemns the shameful statements against him." According to him, "Major General Blot is a first-rate combat officer, principled and moral, who has worked for many years, day and night, for the security of the State of Israel and its residents, particularly the residents of Judea and Samaria. The use of distorted imagery against him crosses every red line."