Major-General Gadi Eisenkot. Photo: Wikipedia.

JNS.org – The Israeli government on Sunday approved the nomination of Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Deputy Chief of Staff Maj. Gen. Gadi Eizenkot as the IDF’s next leader. He is expected to take office on Feb. 15, once current IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Benny Gantz completes his four-year term.

“Eizenkot is the right man at the right time,” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said. “He can lead the IDF through the substantial challenges we face. These challenges are relentless and I am convinced that by exercising responsible and firm policies we can overcome them all.”

The 54-year-old Eizenkot rose through the ranks in the IDF Infantry Corps, beginning his military service in the Golani Brigade, which he would eventually command from 1997-98. In 1999, Eizenkot was named military secretary to the prime minister and defense minister, a role that was followed by his appointment to head the IDF’s Judea and Samaria Brigade.