dark skinned wife. That was the foundation of the change in the appointment in my opinion. Better photo ops with Gantz' wife. I have seen that happen. The wife of a US Marine Corps retired Major said her husband was the recorder at a promotion ceremony and he observed the decision making process on such issues as the color of the officer's wife. He was so offended, he retired from the military since he was American Indian himself. So he went to work for the IRS in Norfolk, Virginia. In the US Navy, Solomon Pflugg could not get promoted until he changed his name to Solomon Flagg. Little things like that mean a lot to the half-wits on promotion boards.

The Madhat Yusuf affair is a black stain on Gantz. Why was immediate action not taken to rescue a wounded IDF soldier? I remember sitting and staring at the pictures on the tv, wondering why an armored force wasn't sent in with air cover to rescue the soldiers at Joseph's Tomb. Israel's top soldier has to act to defend the country and those under his command. Why were the lives of armed Palestinians deemed to be more important than one of his soldiers? Was it his decision, and if so, what were the considerations?

He left soldiers dying after a training accident instead of offering his helicopter to transport the injured. He has destroyed the Labor Party single handedly and his wife employed a foreign worker illegally! Ah, yes well, this could only happen in a Netanyahu Government which is turning Israel into a pariah nation dominated by greed and self interest! The only criterion for this choice is will Gantz be top class commander of the IDF when the next war breaks out. Qualified he is and had the necessary experience so let's wish him well and hope that a debacle this this never happens again!

The Turkel committee could have approved Gantz' appointment, but should not have whitewashed the decision to murder Madhat Yussuf. The committee should have discussed Gantz' involvement in the decision. Did Gantz do everything he could to convince the highest commander in the field (and Ehud Barak, the man ultimately responsible for the murder) to rescue Madhat? Were the "political considerations" that Turkel mentions that led to the murder Madhat valid? Or as critics have said, related to Barak's alleged business connections with terrorist Jibril Rajoub? How will the fact that CGS Gantz is afraid to fight his commanders to save combat soldiers from sleazy and corrupt "political considerations" affect morale?

built (and still some parts in his house are) without permit... in addition, there is dispute over money, and the rescue of the soldier... was this "turkel-decision" now up to the square meters ?

Another peacock, yes-man general in the style of Halutz. Ashky was the best general we ever had - Look at cast lead, nearly none of our lads killed by terrorists, but over 1500 armed terrorists dead. Good preperation, total loyalty and highly ethical consideration of our young hero soldiers.(only failed Gilad Shalit)

I like Benny Gantz - at least he told them of his misdemeanors. Galant kept shtum until he was rumbled. You can't have someone like that judging soldiers on truth, honesty and integrity - especially when you lack those qualities yourself. I've seen Benny Gantz in real life and on several occasions, he is a quiet unassuming man and I'm so happy he'll be our 20th Chief of Staff. Well done Major-General Benny Gantz! I salute you sir! Now you look after our boys!!