Major-General Gadi Eizenkot
Photo: Yaron Brener
Maj.-Gen. Eizenkot named deputy chief of staff
Defense Minister Barak decides GOC Northern Command will take over for Maj.-Gen. Yair Naveh as IDF Chief Gantz' second in command
Northern Command Chief Major-General Gadi Eizenkot has been named the next deputy chief of staff, the IDF Spokesperson’s Unit said Monday.
Defense Minister Ehud Barak appointed Eizenkot following a recommendation to that effect by IDF Chief Lt.-Gen Benny Gantz.
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Eizenkot will take over from current DCS Major-General Yair Naveh when he retires from service next year.
The 52-year-old officer began his IDF service with the Golani Brigade. As he rose through the ranks, he commanded some of the brigade's elite units, such as Orev and Battalion 13. He was named Golani's commander in 1997.
In 1999, Eizenkot was appointed military secretary for the prime minister and the defense minister.
In 2003, he was appointed commander of the Judea and Samaria Division. He served as head of the IDF's Operations Directorate in 2005 and in 2006 he assumed command of the Northern sector.
Eizenkot has a Bachelor's in History from Tel Aviv University, a Master's from Haifa University and is the graduate of a leading Army and Security Studies program in the US.
Eizenkot is widely considered to be a dedicated military professional who avoids all things politics.
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