A number of major appointments are expected among the highest echelons of the IDF in the near future, possibly by Yom HaAtzma’ut, which is observed next week. The appointments will include a number of senior commands as well as determining who will become the next deputy chief of staff, an appointment that puts a senior officer in line to become the next chief of staff.

Leading the list for the deputy slot are two major-generals, Southern District commander Major-General Yoav Galant and Northern District commander, Major-General Gadi Eisenkott. There is a third, albeit a less likely candidate for the deputy slot, the IDF military attaché to Washington, DC, former IDF major-general, Benny Gantz.

Eisenkott, 49, has held numerous posts including chief of operations branch during the Second Lebanon War, which is viewed in the military as a failure. One advantage his maintains is that he served as military advisor to Ehud Barak when he was last prime minister. He also maintains a better working relationship with IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-General Gabi Ashkenazi according to senior officers.

Galant, 51, on the other hand the senior commander of Operation Cast Lead, which was labeled a major military success. He is also a former commander of the prestigious Shayetet 13 Navy SEALS unit and has taken part in many missions, many of which remain confidential. He is viewed as having a more experience in combat leadership.

Ashkenazi and Defense Minister Ehud Barak in the coming days are expected to meet with senior commanders towards arriving at their decision, which may be reached ahead of Yom HaAtzma’ut, a decision which will possibly determine the next IDF chief of staff as well as defining the character of the IDF’s General Staff.

The next senior post is the head of military intelligence, which will be vacated by Major-General Amos Yadlin in the coming year. The position will be offered to either Galant or Eisenkott, to the one who is not appointed deputy chief. Most believe that if he is not tapped for the chief command slot, Galant will turn down the intelligence post and retire.
Other positions being vacated include chief of operations branch, southern district commander, northern district commander, military advisor to the prime minister, and coordinator of activities in Yehuda & Shomron. Some of the names in line for promotion to these slots and the rank of major-general include Brigadier-Generals Aviv Kochavi, Yochanan Locker, Sammy Turjeman, Noam Tivon, and Moshe (Chico) Tamir.

NOTE: While Lt.-General Ashkenazi has another two years to his term, the deputy slot is divided, with two officers serving one chief of staff during his tenure, with the chief of staff slot usually being filled by one of the two deputies. The decision is made by the chief of staff together with the defense minister. If they select a candidate, the prime minister is generally inclined to give his stamp of approval.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)