BICOM

Lt. Gen. Gadi Eisenkot yesterday officially took over the reins as IDF Chief of Staff and immediately acknowledged the significant challenges he is likely to face during his four year term.

At a ceremony yesterday in Jerusalem, Eisenkot was officially promoted to his new rank before being sworn in to his new role in the presence of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Moshe Ya’alon. Assessing the current security challenges, Eisenkot said, “We are in the midst of a stressful period with many challenges. The Middle East is changing its face beyond recognition and is characterized by explosiveness and insecurity.” However, he pledged, “The IDF, at my command … will be able to operate the necessary force and ensure the peace and security of the citizens of the State of Israel.”

Netanyahu warned of difficult days ahead, saying, “I promise you Gadi … you will not have a single day of grace. The Middle East is disintegrating.” He explained, “States are collapsing. An empire is charging into this vacuum – Iran.” Not only, said Netanyahu, is Iran pursuing nuclear weapons, but, “It is trying to encircle us with four murderous arms. Three, for now – one in Lebanon, one in Gaza and a new one – on the Golan. It vows openly to destroy the State of Israel in one way or another.”

Also speaking at yesterday’s ceremony was outgoing IDF head Benny Gantz, who Eisenkot served as his deputy. Gantz commented, “I received the IDF as a deposit for years ago, to serve it and preserve it … We defended our borders well … We operated with the strength that was necessary and our preparedness proved itself over and over again in various situations.” Gantz has yet to announce his next career step following his discharge.

In addition to serving as Deputy Chief of Staff, Eisenkot has headed the Judea and Samaria Brigade and was Head of Northern Command during the 2006 Second Lebanon War.