Gantz appointment as IDF chief sails through cabinet

PM calls chief of General Staff-designate an "excellent officer and experienced commander," says appointment will bring stability to army.

By HERB KEINON
BennyGantz187 (photo credit: IDF Spokesperson)
BennyGantz187
(photo credit: IDF Spokesperson)
The cabinet Sunday unanimously approved the appointment of Maj.-Gen. Benny Gantz as the country's next chief of General Staff, putting to end a months-long saga that saw the appointment, and then rescinding of the decision to appoint Maj.-Gen Yoav Galant for that post.
Speaking at the weekly cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu said that Gantz was an "excellent officer and experienced commander."
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Netanyahu said Gantz had rich operational and logistical experience, with all the attributes needed to be a successful army commander.
The prime minister also said the appointment will also bring stability to the army, something he said is always important, but even more important now at a time of "deep shocks" in the region.
On Thursday, the Turkel Committee that vets senior government appointments approved Gantz’s appointment as IDF chief.
Yaakov Katz and JPost.com staff contributed to this report.