PM Netanyahu Accepts DM Yaalon's Recommendation to Extend IDF Chief-of-Staff
Lt.-Gen. Benny Gantz's Term by One Year

(Communicated by the Prime Minister's Media Adviser)

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accepted the recommendation of Defense
Minister Moshe Yaalon and decided to extend IDF Chief-of-Staff Lt.-Gen.
Benny Gantz's term by one year. The decision will be submitted to the
Cabinet at its next weekly meeting on Tuesday, 17 September 2013.

Prime Minister Netanyahu met with Chief-of-Staff Gantz last night
(Wednesday, 11 September 2013) and informed him of his decision. The Prime
Minister said: "Over the past three years, Chief-of-Staff Gantz has led the
IDF, with impressive success, in the face of some of the most complex
security challenges that the State of Israel has faced. Benny Gantz has led
the IDF with values, professionalism and achievements. I, the Defense
Minister, the Chief-of-Staff and the heads of the security establishment
work together day and night for the security of Israel's citizens and for
building up the strength – and assuring the future of – the State of
Israel."

Defense Minister Yaalon said: "Chief-of-Staff Lt.-Gen. Benny Gantz has led
the IDF over the past two-and-a-half years and has led it to successes, most
of which I cannot detail, but which have allowed Israel's citizens to
continue with their daily routines and the State of Israel to continue to
flourish and prosper. During a period in which the Middle East has undergone
storms of unprecedented magnitude, and as we face severe and unprecedented
challenges from new and far, I believe that Chief-of-Staff Gantz is the
right man in the right place at the right time. Therefore, I recommended to
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that he extend the Chief-of-Staff's term
by an additional year. Chief-of-Staff Gantz brings with him professionalism,
determination, responsibility and a pleasant manner. I am certain that also
in his fourth year in office, he will continue to lead the IDF as a strong,
advanced, powerful and deterring military that allows us as decision-makers
to lead the State of Israel with responsibility and sagacity toward security
and success in all areas of life."