The Israeli government on Sunday approved Major General Herzi Halevi as the IDF new chief of staff.
Following the announcement, current IDF Chief of Staff Major General Aviv Kochavi congratulated Halevi, who will become army's 23 leader.
"I welcome the government's approval of the appointment," Kochavi said, according to an official statement.
"Herzi and I have known each other for many years, during which I got to know a brave, professional and talented officer. Herzi is an excellent and experienced officer and I am sure that he will continue to lead the IDF forward, given the expected challenges. I wish him great success."
Last week, a vetting committee approved Halevi's candidacy, paving the way for him to take up the post on January 17, 2023. Defense Minister Benny Gantz proposed his appointment in early September.
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Current IDF Chief of Staff Major General Aviv Kochavi
(Photo: The IDF Spokesperson's Unit)
Born in 1967 into a religious family in Jerusalem, Halevi graduated in philosophy and business from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and holds a Master's degree in human resources management from the National Defense University in Washington.
Halevi joined the Israeli army in 1985 in a paratroopers unit before being promoted to "Sayeret Matkal," the army's elite unit, which he led for years. In 2014 he was appointed as head of military intelligence, and four years later was named as head of the southern command.