The IDF has a new commander in chief – the highly praised Maj.-Gen. Gadi Eizenkot.
Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon (L) seen with Maj. Gen. Gadi Eizenkot after his nomination was officially announced. (Photo: Ariel Hermoni/MOD)
The Cabinet approved during its weekly meeting on Sunday the appointment of Maj.-Gen. Gadi Eizenkot as the next IDF Chief of Staff.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said at the start of the meeting: “Gadi Eizenkot is the right man in the right place at the right time. Gadi has been a soldier and a commander. He is a veteran commander and he can lead the IDF in the face of the major challenges that surround us.”
Relating to the regional turmoil, Netanyahu added that “the challenges are unceasing; they are not taking even a moment’s respite, and I am convinced that with determined, responsible and strong leadership and policy, along with Gadi’s command of the IDF, we will be able to overcome any and all obstacles and challenges.”
Netanyahu wished Eizenkot much success, as “his success, in all areas, is our success.”
Economy Minister Naftali Bennett also praised Eisenkot’s appointment on his Facebook page, writing that “Gadi is a principled, modest, creative and determined commander.”
Eizenkot’s candidacy was approved by the cabinet after he was cleared for appointment by the advisory committee on senior appointments and positions chaired by former Supreme Court judge Jacob Turkel.
A Career Soldier
Born in 1960, Eizenkot is the second of four children born to immigrants from Morocco.
Eizenkot has been a soldier for his entire adult life. He began his career in the famed Golani infantry brigade in 1978, which he eventually commanded in 1997-1998.
He served in various command positions and climbed the ranks until his instatement as Deputy Chief of General Staff in January 2013.
Eisenkot received a degree in political science from the University of Haifa and is a graduate of the United States Army War College.
He will assume the position of IDF chief on February 15, 2015.
By: United with Israel Staff
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