Israel Installs New Israel Defense Forces Chief
JERUSALEM, Israel -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon installed Lt. Gen. Gadi Eizenkot to chief of general staff, as outgoing IDF Chief Lt. Gen. Benny Gantz stepped down.
At the swearing-in ceremony, Gantz thanked Netanyahu, Ya'alon and his staff, saying the IDF operated with the necessary strength to defend Israel's borders and respond appropriately to every scenario.
Turning to Eizenkot, the outgoing IDF chief said, "Blessed is the nation with you standing at the front of its defense forces. Blessed are those who respond to your call of 'follow me,' always confident and always worthy."
Netanyahu told the incoming IDF chief he could practically "guarantee" there wouldn't be "an easy day.
"Israel faces many challenges," Netanyahu said. "The Middle East is falling apart. Only the strong survive."
Eizenkot, 54, married and the father of five, began his army career in 1978. Born in Tiberias and raised in Eilat, he and his family live in Herzliya.
