JERUSALEM, Feb. 13 (UPI) -- The Israeli Cabinet has appointed Maj. Gen. Benny Gantz as the country's next chief of staff, officials said Sunday.
Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu described the new army chief as an "excellent officer and experienced commander," The Jerusalem Post reported.
"His experience is vast both in terms of operation and organization. He is endowed with all of the qualities needed to be a wonderful commander for the Israel Defense Forces," Haaretz quoted Netanyahu saying.
Gantz, 52, will officially take over Monday as the country's 20th chief of staff, putting an end to months of deliberations and speculation after the appointment of Maj. Gen.Yoav Galant was rescinded.
The ceremony will take place at the Prime Minister's office in Jerusalem.
The Turkel Committee that probes government appointments approved Gantz as the next military chief Thursday, leaving it up to the cabinet to make the final decision.
Netanyahu and Defense Minister Ehud Barak rescinded Galant's appointment as next army chief after Attorney General Yehuda Weinstein decided the state would not represent him before the High Court of Justice in a land dispute.
Weinstein said it was "doubtful whether it is morally appropriate to maintain the appointment."
