Government approves Galant appointment

Government approves Galant appointment The government on Sunday approved Major-General Yoav Galant's appointment as the Israel Defense Forces' 20th chief of staff.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said during the cabinet meeting that "Galant has proved himself throughout 32 years of service in the IDF's front line as a courageous fighter, an outstanding officer and a reasonable and responsible commander on the battlefield."

The prime minister thanked and praised Galant's predecessor, Lieutenant-General Gabi Ashkenazi, saying that the next IDF chief "will be continuing a tradition of dedication and excellence left by the current chief of staff, Gabi Ashkenazi."

Earlier Sunday, on the backdrop of reports that he may step down before the end of his term, Ashkenazi announced that he intends to remain in his post and help Galant "enter the position in the best possible way on the set date in another half a year."

However, at the event held in his honor in the city of Or Yehuda, the chief of staff conceded that the current time is "a very unpleasant period."