BICOM

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Ehud Barak yesterday decided to cancel the nomination of Maj.-Gen. Yoav Galant as the next chief of staff of the IDF. Netanyahu and Barak made the decision yesterday after Attorney General Yehuda Weinstein told the High Court that his investigation had “raised significant legal difficulties for the decision to appoint Galant.” Weinstein investigated claims that Galant seized public lands near his home in Moshav Amikam in northern Israel. He concluded that it was the decision of the prime minister and defence minister to decide whether Galant should fulfil the position. Netanyahu and Barak informed Galant yesterday that his nomination for the position had been removed.

Netanyahu’s office released a statement yesterday informing that current Deputy Chief of Staff Maj.-Gen. Yair Naveh will temporarily fill the post starting on 14 February until a new replacement is found. Naveh will take over from current IDF Chief of Staff Gabi Ashkenazi. Barak said that he will find a replacement for Naveh within 60 days. Possible candidates include Maj.-Gen. Benny Gantz, who recently retired from the IDF after Galant was nominated; OC Northern Command Maj.-Gen. Gadi Eizenkot; and OC Central Command Maj.-Gen. Avi Mizrachi.