While celebrating the bas mitzvah of a daughter, IDF Major-General Benny Gantz receive received the news from IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-General Gabi Ashkenazi, that he is appointed at the new deputy chief of staff, giving him even more reason to celebrate. Gantz is currently serving as IDF military attaché to Washington.

The candidates also included Southern District Commander Maj.-Gen. Yoav Gallant and Northern District Commander Gadi Eizenkott. Ashkenazi wanted to select Eizenkott and Barak insisted on Gallant, leading to the compromise appointment. Ironically, while Gantz can celebrate the appointment, it is one of compromise since he was not supported by the IDF commander or defense minister, a reality that leaves both Eizenkott and Gallant with the need to make difficult decisions, having been passed over for the deputy slot. Gallant has indicated that if he is passed over, he will retire.

Current IDF deputy, Maj.-Gen. Dan Harel completes his assignment in the coming months, at which time he will leave the military.

The appointment was delayed for months due to the inability of Ashkenazi and Barak to reach and agreement, which in turn delayed other senior appointments.

Gantz joined the IDF in 1977, entering the Paratroop Brigade. Two years later he completed officers training and began climbing the chain of command. Gantz has a bachelors degree in history from Tel Aviv U, a masters in political science from Haifa U, and a second masters from NDU in the United States.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)