IDF names new head of Intel Research Division after sudden resignation

Ben-Meir will remain in his position until the summer, when his replacement will be ready to take over.

By YAAKOV LAPPIN
Updated: FEBRUARY 9, 2016 23:55
IDF soldiers stand guard during a demonstration by Palestinians against the closure of the main road in Jabaa area south of the West Bank city of Bethlehem (photo credit: REUTERS)
IDF soldiers stand guard during a demonstration by Palestinians against the closure of the main road in Jabaa area south of the West Bank city of Bethlehem
(photo credit: REUTERS)
The IDF has named a new head of Military Intelligence’s Research Division after the outgoing officer announced his unexpected resignation last month due to differences with his commander.
Col. Dror Shalom will take over the strategically important Research Division, and be promoted to the rank of brigadier-general, the IDF said. He will replace Brig.-Gen. Eli Ben-Meir, who will remain in his position until the summer, when his replacement is ready to take over.
Ben-Meir informed the military he was leaving, just a year into his post, after concluding that personal disagreements with his superior, Military Intelligence chief Maj.- Gen. Herzl Halevi, could not be bridged. The disagreements were not related to intelligence matters.
Ben-Meir had replaced Brig.-Gen. Itai Brun in January 2015.
The IDF also announced the Col. G. would become head of the Operation Division in Military Intelligence, and be promoted to brigadier-general.
Col. Y. will take command of Unit 9900, which is in charge of all visual intelligence, including satellite imagery, and Col. A. will take over the navy’s submarine flotilla.
Separately, the head of the Defense Ministry’s Administration for the Research and Development of Weapon is completing a six-year term, and has notified his superiors that he intends to step down, the ministry said on Tuesday.
Furthermore, a search has begun for a replacement for Ofir Shoham, who has served for 36 years in the defense establishment and has announced his intention to step down this year.