Amidror new national security advisor

General noted for hawkish views on Gaza, Palestinian issue says he has 'deep respect for post'

Attila Somfalvi|Published: 03.09.11 , 14:19

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Wednesday that he has decided to appoint Major-General (Res) Yaakov Amidror to the position of national security advisor. Amidror is to replace Uzi Arad.

In an interview with Ynet, Amidror said he "has deep respect for the post" and that he hopes "to serve Israel well".

The nomination was not without its controversy, as the general has been known for his hawkish views. It has yet to be approved by the government.

"Amidror is not afraid to express his professional opinion. He has a lot of accumulated knowledge and experience in military, security, and strategy fields and will lead the National Security Council as a body central to determining Israel's national and security policies," Netanyahu said of his choice.

Amidror, the former commander of the IDF's National Defense College, retired from his military career in 2002 and has been known in recent years for his extreme views, including his support for the reoccupation of the Gaza Strip.

"The Israeli interest is to prevent a situation in which the Hamas is strengthened into an entity similar to Hezbollah," he has said of the issue.

"There should be willingness to stay in the area for many years. If it is not possible to stay in the area – and the goal is to get in and get out – it is better not to get in at all. The decision makers need to make an extremely difficult decision, because the implication is a difficult war, and an extended stay in the territory," he warned.

Aviel Magnezi contributed to this report