Israeli Defense Minister Selects Kochavi as New Chief of Staff of the Army

Israeli Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman announced on Friday that he had chosen Aviv Kochavi, a former army intelligence chief, as the new chief of staff of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). .

Kochavi, who has been deputy chief of staff since 2017, was chosen after "consultations with dozens of people," including former prime ministers, the Lieberman office said.

"Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman has decided that Major-General Kochavi would be the most qualified and experienced candidate for the position of Chief of Staff." Major-General Kochavi demonstrates Leadership, courage, creativity and outstanding command ability, "the statement said. .

"The unique combination of the many positions he has held within the IDF, his proven command abilities in times of crisis, the high esteem he enjoys within the IDF, and the great success with which he has carried out missions over the years make it the most appropriate candidate to lead the Israeli army in the years to come, "he added.

Kochavi will take office early in 2019, succeeding General Gadi Eisenkot who ends his term this year after serving nearly four years as a senior Israeli army official.

The appointment must first be approved by a government committee that must meet on Sunday before appearing before the cabinet.

Kochavi was head of the northern command of the army and head of military intelligence during the 2014 war against the Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas in Gaza.

Military commentators have stated that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu does not agree with the choice of Kochavi, a graduate of Harvard University and Johns Hopkins University in the United States.

The final appointment of Kochavi to the cabinet must be approved by the Goldberg Committee, where the Minister of Defense will be present Sunday.

Kochavi was born in 1964 and joined the elite brigade of paratroopers in 1982.

Kochavi was head of the northern command of the army and head of military intelligence during the 2014 war against the Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas in Gaza.

Netanyahu, despite previous reports concerning his disagreement with Liberman's choice, welcomed the choice of Kochavi, a graduate of Harvard University and Johns Hopkins University in the United States.

"Kochavi is the most worthy candidate to be the next IDF Chief of Staff," Netanyahu said in a statement.

Eisenkot, the current chief of staff, congratulated his deputy for being chosen to succeed him, said the army in a statement, adding that Kochavi was "a distinguished officer with extensive experience of fighting in several theaters of combat ".