Brig.-Gen. Moti Almoz assumed his duties as the IDF ’snew spokesman on Monday during a ceremony at Tel Aviv's Kirya army compound with the participation of Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon and IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Benny Gantz .
Almoz succeeded Brig.-Gen. Yoav Mordechai ,who is expected to be promoted to the rank of major general and take over as coordinator of government activities in the territories, replacing Maj. Gen. Eitan Dangot.
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Almoz, 45, headed the army’s Civil Administration and was in charge of day-to-day encounters between soldiers and Palestinians in the Israeli-controlled areas of the West Bank .
Ceremony in Tel Aviv (Photo: IDF Spokesperson's Unit)
"The media is a complex arena which cannot be taken lightly. The role of IDF spokesperson is complex and challenging," Ya'alon said during the ceremony.
Mordechai, who expanded the IDF's use of social media during his term, said that under his leadership the Spokesperson's Unit tried to "reflect the IDF's actions truthfully and fairly."
- Mordechai took advantage of his proficiency in Arabic to make Israel 'sposition known in Arab countries.
Ya'alon said Mordechai succeeded in his role "despite not having any media background," adding that Almoz "has the tools and values to lead the Spokesperson's Unit in such a way that will preserve the army's status."