Source: Ha'aretz
Jan 23, 2007
The Israel Defense Forces will soon have a new Chief of Staff, after Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Defense Minister Amir Peretz reached agreement on the candidate Monday.
Barring any unexpected changes, Major-General (res) Gabi Ashkenazi will soon step up to replace Dan Halutz, who resigned nine days ago in the wake of Israel's failed war against Hizb'allah last summer.
Ashkenazi, a 53-year-old Sabra (native-born Israeli) has an impressive military record. His training included a stretch at the US Marines Training Command School and he is said to be very popular with the men in uniform.