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Major-General Gadi Eizenkott has become the 21st IDF Chief of Staff, promoted to the rank of Lt.-General, replacing Lt.-General Benny Gantz. The appointment took place in a ceremony in the Prime Minister’s Office on Monday, 27 Shevat.

Stepping down is Lt.-General Benny Gantz, after serving as the IDF commander for four years and following 38 years of military service. Taking part in the ceremony were Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, Defense Moshe Ya’alon, outgoing Chief Gantz, and the new commander, Gadi Eizenkott. Also present were a number of ministers, MKs, the General Staff and family members of the incoming commander.

Eizenkott in his first address as commander spoke of the “sensitive period and its many challenges. The Mideast is changing in every aspect. The challenges of the hour compel us to respond with determination, sophistication and poise. Only a ready and determined military can fulfill its mission, to distance war and to fight and win”.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)