IDF chief of staff

Former Israeli chief of staff Benny Gantz walks among supporters during an electoral rally after delivering his first campaign speech, in Tel Aviv on January 29, 2019. (Jack Guez/AFP)

March 8, 2019, 9:12 am

Benny Gantz’s tall order: Convincing Israel that he can replace Netanyahu

Critics denounce prime ministerial hopeful as a politically inexperienced, financially incompetent leftist, while fans describe a quiet, collected and strongly principled leader

By Raphael Ahren

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (left) with outgoing IDF Chief of Staff Benny Gantz at a ceremony in honor of incoming IDF chief of staff Gadi Eisenkot (not seen) at the PM's office in Jerusalem, February 16, 2015 (Miriam Alster/Flash90)

January 31, 2019, 6:42 am

In a different age, not long ago, Netanyahu thought Benny Gantz was ‘excellent’

Now the ex-army chief is his most potent rival, PM dismisses him as a ‘weak leftist.’ In 2015, he considered him ‘high-quality, ethical, responsible, balanced and thoughtful’

By Raphael Ahren

Outgoing IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Gadi Eisenkot (left), Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the incoming chief Aviv Kochavi (right) take part in a handover ceremony on January 15, 2019 at the Defense Ministry headquarters in Tel Aviv. (JACK GUEZ/AFP)

January 15, 2019, 12:47 pm

In parting remarks, outgoing army chief warns against politicizing IDF

As Lt. Gen. Aviv Kochavi takes charge, Gadi Eisenkot says the military ‘must preserve its place in the center of civil public discourse’

By TOI staff

Shin Bet chief Nadav Argaman, right, and IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot in a ceremony at the Shin Bet headquarters in Tel Aviv on December 10, 2018. (Shin Bet)

December 10, 2018, 10:28 pm

Hailing joint ‘secret operations,’ Shin Bet bids farewell to outgoing IDF chief

At Tel Aviv ceremony, Gadi Eisenkot is praised for ‘record-breaking’ cooperation between security bodies during his tenure

By TOI staff

Then-head of Military Intelligence Maj. Gen. Aviv Kochavi attends a Knesset committee meeting on February 25, 2014. (Hadas Parush/Flash90)

November 25, 2018, 2:41 pm

Cabinet confirms Aviv Kochavi as Israel army’s 22nd chief of staff

Lt. Gen. Eisenkot’s tenure extended by two weeks, to January 15, to give more time for his successor to prepare

By Judah Ari Gross

IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot, center, visits the Gaza Division with Col. Yaakov 'Yaki' Dolef and head of the Southern Command Maj. Gen. Eyal Zamir in southern Israel on August 30, 2016. (IDF Spokesperson)

November 21, 2018, 11:26 pm

Netanyahu interviews two candidates for IDF deputy chief of staff

Generals Eyal Zamir and Nitzan Alon considered to replace Aviv Kochavi, who is slated to take over as IDF chief next year

By Judah Ari Gross

Incoming Deputy Chief of Staff Maj. Gen. Aviv Kochavi shakes hands with IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot at a ceremony in the army's Tel Aviv headquarters on May 11, 2017. (Israel Defense Forces)

November 20, 2018, 8:04 pm

Vetting panel okays Kochavi for IDF chief, final vote next week

Netanyahu to seek final approval for the general on November 25; IDF deputy chief of staff’s replacement still unknown following defense minister shakeup

By Judah Ari Gross

Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked of Jewish Home speaks to Channel 10 news, November 16, 2018 (Channel 10 screenshot)

November 16, 2018, 10:48 pm

Justice minister: ‘Netanyahu is next PM, but with what coalition?’

Jewish Home’s Ayelet Shaked says elections likely to take place in March 2019, accuses Liberman of shirking responsibility by quitting Defense Ministry

By TOI staff

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Gadi Eisenkot attend the graduation ceremony at the National Security College, on July 13, 2016. (Flash90)

November 16, 2018, 7:45 pm

Report: PM aims to sustain coalition till Dec. to approve new police, IDF chiefs

Associate says immediate Knesset dissolution would negate Netanyahu’s ability to confirm nominees; Meretz says it will bring bill to disband parliament next week

By TOI staff

Deputy IDF chief of staff Maj. Gen. Aviv Kochavi salutes during a ceremony at Hakirya base in Tel Aviv, November 3, 2016. (Flash90)

October 28, 2018, 4:44 pm

Liberman submits his pick for IDF chief to vetting panel for approval

Defense minister writes that Maj. Gen. Aviv Kochavi has proven his ability to command in times of emergency, is respected within army; cabinet must also confirm nomination

By TOI staff

Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman, left, speaks to IDF Deputy Chief of Staff Maj. Gen. Aviv Kochavi in a field just outside the Gaza Strip on February 20, 2018. (Judah Ari Gross/Times of Israel)

October 26, 2018, 5:44 pm

Netanyahu welcomes Kochavi nomination for IDF chief

PM praises the general as ‘most suitable candidate’ after reports that Liberman announced the choice without consulting with him

By TOI staff

IDF Military Intelligence Director Major General Aviv Kochavi, August 08, 2013. (photo credit: FLASH90)

October 26, 2018, 11:53 am

Liberman names pick for next IDF chief: Maj. Gen. Aviv Kochavi

Current IDF deputy chief of staff must be approved by vetting committee, government before he can replace Lt. Gen. Gadi Eisenkot next year

By Judah Ari Gross

Talia Einhorn (l) and Moshe Tery. (Screen capture: YouTube/ Channel 10)

October 7, 2018, 4:37 pm

Government appoints 2 new members of top-level public service vetting forum

Law professor Talia Einhorn and former chair of securities authority Moshe Tery to join committee that selects army, police chiefs

By TOI staff

IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot drinks coffee during an interview, September 6, 2018 (Facebook video screenshot)

September 7, 2018, 8:30 pm

IDF chief talks beliefs, favorite emojis and coffee sins in holiday clip

Gadi Eisenkot also discusses plans for post-army trip and his honed clothes-changing skills in army video

By TOI staff

Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman leads a faction meeting of his Yisrael Beytenu party at the Knesset on June 18, 2018. (Miriam Alster/Flash90)

August 30, 2018, 11:38 am

Liberman says he’s chosen next IDF chief and deputy, but stays mum on names

‘I searched for someone who would talk to me in terms of decisiveness and victory’ and not ‘legal ramifications,’ defense minister says

By Michael Bachner