Gabi Asheknazi approved as next IDF head

JERUSALEM, Feb. 4 (UPI) -- Israeli cabinet members Sunday unanimously approved Gabi Asheknazi's appointment as chief of staff of the Israel Defense Forces.

Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's comments prior to the vote proved prophetic as Asheknazi easily gained enough support to assume the top military position, YNet News reported.

"I have no doubt that he will lead the IDF to deal with everything it has to deal with, to complete fitness and to essential accomplishments for the security of the State of Israel," Olmert said. "I would like to use this opportunity to congratulate him in advance, before the approval."

Asheknazi, 53, will officially be installed on Feb. 14 and assume control from current IDF chief Dan Halutz.