Netanyahu, as defense chief, consults with ex-IDF head and future rival Gantz

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu meets with former IDF chief of staff and likely future political rival Benny Gantz for “consultations on professional and defense matters,” according to his office.

For the first time in his long political career, the four-term prime minister, who has also served as foreign minister twice, finance minister and health minister, among many posts, appointed himself defense minister earlier this month following the resignation of Avigdor Liberman.

New defense ministers traditionally hold a series of consultations with their predecessors and former IDF chiefs of staff.

Netanyahu has already met with former defense ministers Amir Peretz and Moshe Arens, and is slated to meet with former chiefs of staff Gabi Ashkenazi and Shaul Mofaz in the coming days, the PMO says.

The meeting with Gantz may have been more tense than the others, as Gantz is believed to be exploring a political career, and polls suggest his candidacy could have a dramatic effect on the political landscape of the Israeli center-left.

Sources in the Prime Minister’s Office say the two men did not discuss politics in the Wednesday meeting.