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Photo: Ofer Amram
Lotan. 'Charismatic, different from Benayahu on many levels'
Photo: Ofer Amram

New IDF spokesman named

Colonel Lior Lotan, army's former chief negotiator, to assume position when Yoav Galant becomes IDF chief

Colonel Lior Lotan (res.) has been appointed the new IDF spokesman and will assume his position when Major-General Yoav Galant begins his term as IDF chief of staff next month, Defense Minister Ehud Barak said Wednesday.

 

Unlike his predecessors, Lotan comes from an operational background and began his IDF service in special elite unit Sayeret Matkal. His latest position was chief IDF negotiator.

 

Lotan will assume his position in a number of weeks, as Galant takes over from IDF Chief of Staff Gabi Ashkenazi. He will be replacing current IDF Spokesman Avi Benayhau.

 

The question surrounding the appointment has been whether to opt for a media figure or an officer from an operational background. Lotan, having both extensive commanding experience and knowledge of the civilian system, was ultimately chosen as the person for the job.

 

In 1994, he received the chief of staff's citation for his part in the operation to free captive soldier Nachshon Wachsman, in which he was seriously injured.

 

As chief IDF negotiator Lotan headed the Military Intelligence's Hostage and Crisis Negotiation Unit. He also fought in the Second Lebanon War.

 

Outside the army, Lotan served as head of the Interdisciplinary Center's International Counter Terrorism Institute and a member of staff at the Center's Government, Diplomacy and Strategy School. He is a trained lawyer and considered an expert in negotiations in times of crisis.

 

"He is charismatic, deeply acquainted with the army and there is no doubt he shall succeed," one military official said. "It is an appropriate choice, a man with such potential. In many ways he is the opposite of Benayahu and is up for the task."

 

 


פרסום ראשון: 01.06.11, 09:48
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