The final decision has been made. Major-General Gadi Eizenkott will become the next IDF chief of staff replacing IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Benny Gantz. Eizenkott, 54, will become the IDF’s 21st chief of staff. Eizenkott was born in Tiveria to Esther and Meir z”l, who was niftar 18 years ago. Family members say that despite leading a non-religious lifestyle, he is always respectful of Yiddishkheit. Mrs. Esther Eizenkott adds he regularly consults with a rav in Yerushalayim.

She told Kikar Shabbos that she is very proud of her son, but remains pained that her children has not opted to following a religious lifestyle. “It’s nice he was appointed and I am not chas v’sholom displeased. We are happy Baruch Hashem. He is well suited for the post” Mrs. Eizenkott added.

When asked by Kikar Shabbos “Would you like to see him to become a rav or IDF chief which would you select”. She responded “of course a rav”.

She went on to explain that when she was in her seventh month with Gadi she visited the tziyun of Rav Meir Baal Haness and then her father appeared to her in a dream and she learned she was having a boy. She explained that back in the day, there was no ultrasound so one did not know what gender one would have until birth. She explained she only say the back of the baby’s neck in the dream and therefore she was unable to determine the gender.

In the dream she was told “you have a boy and while he will not be religious, he will be wise” she quotes her father telling her in the dream.

Mrs. Eizenkott adds “He is most respectful of religion. We are a family of rabbonim. Religion aside, he is a gentle and respectful person and pleasant to deal with. He has been in the military since he is 18.” Mrs. Eizenkott adds that “Baruch Hashem his wife keeps a kosher home. She received this from her home”.

Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu informed Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon that he accepts his selection. The prime minister then told the press “Major-General Eizenkott has been chosen from an excellent group of major generals to lead the IDF in the face of the complex security challenges facing the State of Israel. On behalf of the citizens of Israel, I wish him success”.

Eizenkott will assume the IDF command position on motzei Shabbos 25 Shevat (12 February).

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)