Galant offers deputy CGS to fmr.OC Central Command Naveh

Naveh over saw disengagement in northern Samaria, was commander of Golani, Gaza Division, and Home Front Command.

By YAAKOV KATZ
yair naveh 311 (photo credit: Courtesy)
yair naveh 311
(photo credit: Courtesy)
Incoming IDF chief of General Staff Maj.-Gen. Yoav Galant has tapped a former general as his deputy in what some defense officials said is a vote of no-confidence in the current top military brass.
The officer, Maj.-Gen. (res.) Yair Naveh, last served as OC Central Command and left the military three years ago. He is currently the CEO of Citypass, the company that is building the light rail in Jerusalem.
Galant has reportedly spoken with Naveh and offered him the post, an appointment that would require the approval of Defense Minister Ehud Barak.
Naveh is a well-respected officer and served a majority of his career in the Infantry Corps. He was commander of the Golani Brigade, the Gaza Division and the Home Front Command. During his tenure as OC Central Command, Naveh oversaw the disengagement in northern Samaria.
He left the IDF after current Chief of General Staff Lt.-Gen. Gabi Ashkenazi refused to appoint him his deputy.
Naveh has reportedly conditioned his return to uniform on his being considered to replace Galant in 2014 when the latter steps down.
Galant will take over from Ashkenazi in February.
Other candidates to serve as the next deputy chief of staff are believed to be OC Central Command Maj.-Gen. Avi Mizrachi and the IDF’s attaché in Washington, Maj.-Gen. Gadi Shamni.
Mizrachi was reportedly offered the post but turned it down and asked to be allowed to complete his term in the West Bank and then retire.
The appointment of Naveh would help Galant make an effective transfer of authority when he takes up his post in five months. While Galant has spent a significant part of his career in the ground forces, he is a born and bred navy commando and Naveh – an experienced infantry commander – would assist him in stabilizing the army.


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