IDF gets new air force and navy chiefs following defense establishment deadlock

Israeli defense chief signs off on new commanders for Israel’s air force and navy following months-long deadlock with IDF chief of staff over the appointments.

By World Israel News Staff

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz signaled Wednesday his approval for the appointment of two senior military commanders, ending months of deadlock at the highest ranks of Israel’s security establishment.

The move paves the way for Brig. Gen. Omer Tischler to take command of the Israeli Air Force next year, and for Vice Adm. Eyal Harel to assume control of the Israeli Navy.

IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir had appointed the two officers months ago, but Katz declined to rubber-stamp Zamir’s picks, citing failures by both the air force and navy during October 7, 2023.

Instead, Katz ordered an in-depth review of the comportment of both officers prior to and during the Hamas invasion.

The decision to delay the appointments raised tensions between Katz and Zamir and fueled speculation that the move was part of a larger attempt by the Defense Minister to deepen civilian control over the security establishment following October 7.

Some reports claimed Katz’s decision to order a review of Tischler’s and Harel’s behavior on October 7 was intended to pressure Zamir to back Katz’s picks for other senior IDF positions.

Katz’s office announced that Defense Establishment Comptroller Brig. Gen. (res.) Yair Wolansky had completed his assessment of the two officers, finding no evidence of deficiencies, thus paving the way for the approval of Tischler and Harel’s appointments.

“These are two outstanding officers who will add to the strength of the IDF in the air and at sea,” Katz said Wednesday.

“Following the completion of the Defense Establishment Comptroller’s review conducted at my request in connection with the events of October 7 and his positive recommendation, I decided to approve the appointments.”

“Now it remains to complete the vital ‘Jericho Wall’ investigation being carried out by the team appointed by the Chief of Staff, with the full involvement of the Defense Establishment Comptroller, as a basis for decision-making regarding future appointments and for drawing systemic lessons concerning the force buildup and capabilities of the IDF.”