Ex-IDF spokesperson appointed Territories Coordinator
Poly Mordechai, former IDF spokesperson, appointed by defense minister to position of Coordinator of Government Activities in Territories, in charge of illegal West Bank construction, flow of goods into Gaza
Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon
announced Wednesday that Brigadier General Yoav (Poly) Mordechai
– who served as the IDF
spokesperson up until a month ago – will be the IDF's new Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories.
Mordechai will be promoted to the rank of major general and will replace Maj. Gen. Eitan Dangot who has held the position for the last four and a half years.
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As such, Mordechai became only the second IDF spokesperson to reach the rank of major general. The first to do so was Maj. Gen. Amos Gilad, who also served as the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories; Gilad now serves as head of the Diplomatic-Security department head at the Defense Ministry.
Unlike his predecessors, Mordechai was appointed to the position by IDF Chief of Staff Brig. Gen. Benny Gantz .
Mordechai began his military career as a combat soldier in the Golani Brigade; he then moved to work for military intelligence – holding a number of positions, including a senior officer in the agents–management unit 504.
Afterwards Mordechai served as the IDF's coordinator in Jericho and then as the coordinator and liaison for the Gaza Strip and head of the Civil Administration in the West Bank.
After completing his term as IDF spokesperson, sources within the IDF noted that during his tenure, Morderchai focused on preserving ethical standards within the unit and avoided pushing senior officers into the limelight, preferring to put the IDF first.
Mordechai is expected to face challenges in his new role – from illegal building by both Jews and Palestinians in the West Bank, to managing the goods' policy as part of Israel's longstanding blockade on the Gaza Strip.
Defense Minister Ya'alon said "Mordechai brought with him much experience to the role. Among those as commander in a combat unit, as well as senior administrative roles. Poly has the ability, the mind, the wisdom and the everyday knowhow to successfully fill his new role."
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