Russo. New southern command chief
Photo: Raanan Ben Tzur
Kochavi. Rising star
Photo: IDF spokesperson
Russo to take Southern Command
Maj.-Gen. Tal Russo named to GCO Southern Command in IDF chief-designate Yoav Galant's place; Brig.-Gen. Aviv Kochavi to replace Amos Yadlin as head of Military Intelligence
IDF Operations Directorate head Major-General Tal Russo will be appointed Southern Command chief in place of Major-General Yoav Galant who has been nominated the next IDF chief of staff, Defense Minister Ehud Barak and current Chief of Staff Gabi Ashkenazi said Thursday.
"All appointments were made on the advice of the chief of staff and will be implemented soon," an IDF spokesman said.
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In addition, Brigadier-General Aviv Kochavi will be promoted to major-general and will be appointed Military Intelligence Directorate chief, replacing Amos Yadlin. Brigadier-General Ya'acov Ayash will be promoted to major-general and will replace Russo as head of the Operations Directorate.
The defense minister met the three officers and GOC Northern Command Gadi Eizenkot, who declined the offer to be appointed as the next deputy chief of staff. He will remain in his current position until a replacement is decided on, when he may retire from IDF service.
Russo, who signed up in 1978, is a special operations soldier and experienced division commander. He has held his current post since 2006.
Kochavi joined the IDF in 1982 and was commander of the Gaza Division at the time of Gilad Shalit's capture. His name has been put forward for military intelligence for a long time, and he waited patiently for Yadlin to complete his term.
Yoav Zitun also contributed to this report.
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