AG backs Eizenkot appointment as deputy chief of staff
Justice Ministry greenlights appointment despite awkward political timing
Attorney General Yehuda Weinstein cleared on Sunday the suggested appointment of Major-General Gadi Eizenkot as the IDF's next deputy chief of staff.
The announcement followed deliberations with Defense Minister Ehud Barak and IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen.Benny Gantz, and was granted despite the looming elections.
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The Justice Ministry said that after "Considering all factors bearing on the case the attorney general has decided to authorize the appointment despite the elections."
The statement further noted that the AG will offer his full opinion in the matter in a brief that will be filed with the High Court of Justice in response to a petition contesting the nomination.
Weinstein's decision was reportedly made after he was informed by Barak that the appointment was "one of utmost urgency," and that any delay to it could be "detrimental to the performance of the defense establishment."
The decision thus follows the AG's own directives on public officials' appointments which are considered imperative to the government.
The Attorney General's Office's directive bar any rush appointments during election time, prompting the Defense Establishment's own legal council, Achaz Ben Ari, to rule that the nomination was not viable.
Given the nature of the Eizenkot's future role, Weinstein asked Barak for clarifications on the matter's urgency.
