Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu decided to accept the recommendation of his defense minister and extend the term of the IDF chief of staff.

IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Benny Gantz is winding down his third year in office and Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon prefers not to appoint a replacement at this time, a time of regional turmoil on the best of days. After Gantz agreed to extend his tenure for a fourth year, the defense minister’s recommendation was forwarded to the prime minister. Mr. Netanyahu announced on Thursday, 8 Tishrei 5774 that he accepts Ya’alon’s request and the IDF commander will serve a fourth year.

DM Ya’alon added “Chief of Staff Lt.-General. Benny Gantz has led the IDF over the past two-and-a-half years and has led it to successes, most of which I cannot detail, but which have allowed Israel’s citizens to continue with their daily routines and the State of Israel to continue to flourish and prosper. During a period in which the Middle East has undergone storms of unprecedented magnitude, and as we face severe and unprecedented challenges from new and far, I believe that Chief-of-Staff Gantz is the right man in the right place at the right time.

“Therefore, I recommended to Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu that he extend the Chief-of-Staff’s term by an additional year. Chief of Staff Gantz brings with him professionalism, determination, responsibility and a pleasant manner. I am certain that also in his fourth year in office, he will continue to lead the IDF as a strong, advanced, powerful and deterring military that allows us as decision-makers to lead the State of Israel with responsibility and sagacity toward security and success in all areas of life.”

The prime minister stated “Over the past three years, Chief of Staff Gantz has led the IDF, with impressive success, in the face of some of the most complex security challenges that the State of Israel has faced. Benny Gantz has led the IDF with values, professionalism and achievements. I, the Defense Minister, the Chief-of-Staff and the heads of the security establishment work together day and night for the security of Israel’s citizens and for building up the strength – and assuring the future of – the State of Israel.”

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)