Israeli cabinet confirms Herzi Halevi as new IDF Chief of Staff
Halevi, who will replace Aviv Kochavi in January, will be the Israeli military’s 23rd leader. His appointment encountered resistance by the opposition
Mandi Kogosowski
| 23/10/2022
Israeli PM Lair Lapid with the next Chief of Staff, Herzi Halevi. Photo: Haim Zach/GPO
The Israeli cabinet voted this morning (Sunday) to confirm Maj. Gen. Herzi Halevi as the next Chief of Staff of the Israeli Defense Forces. Halevi, who currently serves as Deputy Chief of Staff will be promoted to Lt. Gen. and will replace Lt. Gen. Aviv Kochavi on January 17th, 2023.
“The critical component of Israel's strength is the quality of IDF fighters and commanders. Today, Maj.-Gen. Halevi joins a long and distinguished list of daring and thoughtful commanders who knew how to advance the IDF,” said Prime Minister Yair Lapid at the start of the cabinet meeting. Following the vote, Lapid referred to Halevi via Twitter as “an outstanding officer with a wealth of experience and skills.”
“Herzi and I have known each other for many years, during which I got to know a brave, professional and talented officer,” said outgoing Chief of Staff Kochavi via the IDF Twitter. “Herzi is an excellent and experienced officer, and I am confident he will continue to lead the IDF forward, facing the upcoming challenges.”
Halevi was officially nominated for the top position by Minister of Defense, Benny Gantz, last month. While opposition Knesset members petitioned against this appointment, arguing that this is not a decision that a transitional government can take, Attorney-General Gali Baharav-Miara, as well as the Advisory Committee on Senior Civil Service Appointments, gave this move the green light.
Herzi (Herzl) Halevi was born in December 1967 in Jerusalem, where he was also raised. He was named after his uncle who was killed in the Six Day War. Halevi’s family is observant and he received a religious education growing up.
Halevi enlisted in the IDF in 1985, and among his many positions served as the commander of the IDF General Staff Reconnaissance Unit, the Paratroopers Brigade, Head of Southern Command, Head of the Intelligence Directorate and Deputy Chief-of-Staff.
A married father of four, Halevi resides in the settlement of Kfar HaOranim. He is the first Chief of Staff to live east of the Green Line.
Halevi, who will replace Aviv Kochavi in January, will be the Israeli military’s 23rd leader. His appointment encountered resistance by the opposition
Israeli PM Lair Lapid with the next Chief of Staff, Herzi Halevi. Photo: Haim Zach/GPO
The Israeli cabinet voted this morning (Sunday) to confirm Maj. Gen. Herzi Halevi as the next Chief of Staff of the Israeli Defense Forces. Halevi, who currently serves as Deputy Chief of Staff will be promoted to Lt. Gen. and will replace Lt. Gen. Aviv Kochavi on January 17th, 2023.
“The critical component of Israel's strength is the quality of IDF fighters and commanders. Today, Maj.-Gen. Halevi joins a long and distinguished list of daring and thoughtful commanders who knew how to advance the IDF,” said Prime Minister Yair Lapid at the start of the cabinet meeting. Following the vote, Lapid referred to Halevi via Twitter as “an outstanding officer with a wealth of experience and skills.”
“Herzi and I have known each other for many years, during which I got to know a brave, professional and talented officer,” said outgoing Chief of Staff Kochavi via the IDF Twitter. “Herzi is an excellent and experienced officer, and I am confident he will continue to lead the IDF forward, facing the upcoming challenges.”
Halevi was officially nominated for the top position by Minister of Defense, Benny Gantz, last month. While opposition Knesset members petitioned against this appointment, arguing that this is not a decision that a transitional government can take, Attorney-General Gali Baharav-Miara, as well as the Advisory Committee on Senior Civil Service Appointments, gave this move the green light.
Herzi (Herzl) Halevi was born in December 1967 in Jerusalem, where he was also raised. He was named after his uncle who was killed in the Six Day War. Halevi’s family is observant and he received a religious education growing up.
Halevi enlisted in the IDF in 1985, and among his many positions served as the commander of the IDF General Staff Reconnaissance Unit, the Paratroopers Brigade, Head of Southern Command, Head of the Intelligence Directorate and Deputy Chief-of-Staff.
A married father of four, Halevi resides in the settlement of Kfar HaOranim. He is the first Chief of Staff to live east of the Green Line.
