Gabi Ashkenazi Chief of General Staff of the Israel Defense Forces Country: Israel

1. Early Career and Leadership
2. Senior Positions and Military Achievements
3. Appointment and Government Support
4. Role of the Chief of the General Staff

Gabi Ashkenazi: Chief of the General Staff of the Israel Defense Forces

On February 26, 2007, the Israeli government unanimously approved the appointment of 53-year-old General Gabi Ashkenazi as the Chief of the General Staff of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).

Early Career and Leadership

Ashkenazi's military career began during the 1973 Yom Kippur War while he was a cadet at the IDF's Officer Candidate School. He later commanded the elite Golani Brigade in the 1990s, led the Northern Command, and oversaw the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanon in 2000 despite his opposition to the move.

Senior Positions and Military Achievements

In 2002, Ashkenazi was appointed Deputy Chief of the General Staff, a position he held until his retirement three years later with the rank of Major General. Prior to his current appointment, he served as the Director-General of the Ministry of Defense.

Appointment and Government Support

Upon his appointment as Chief of the General Staff, Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert expressed confidence that Ashkenazi would "lead the IDF to full readiness and new achievements." Minister of Defense Amir Peretz praised Ashkenazi highly and stated his intention to extend his term from the customary three years with a one-year extension.

Role of the Chief of the General Staff

In Israel, the Chief of the General Staff exercises direct command over the IDF, while the Minister of Defense provides political guidance and advocates for the armed forces within the government and parliament. Ashkenazi's appointment reflects the Israeli government's trust in his abilities to lead and modernize the IDF effectively.