Netanyahu supports Barak's decision regarding chief of staff
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Despite his "great esteem" for Chief of Staff Lieutenant-General Gabi Ashkenazi, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu did not object to the decision of Defense Minister Ehud Barak not to extend Ashkenazi's term as chief of staff for a fifth year, the Prime Minister's Office said Tuesday.
Barak explained his decision by saying that a change was necessary in order to build up the IDF's operational capabilities and enable younger officers to integrate into the general headquarters. The two also noted that according to previous governments' decisions and according to the spirit of legislation, it is preferable to limit a chief of staff's tenure to four years. (Roni Sofer)
