BICOM

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu yesterday appointed senior Likud MK Moshe Ya’alon as the country’s new Defence Minister.

Ya’alon, was IDF Chief of Staff from 2002-2005, having become head of military intelligence in 1995 and head of Central Command in 1998. Following his retirement after a 37-year military career, Ya’alon was elected to the Knesset in 2009 and subsequently served as Minister for Strategic Affairs. Announcing Ya’alon’s appointment, Netanyahu said “In such a decisive time for Israel’s security, when the area around us is stormy, it is important that an experienced man like Moshe Ya’alon have this job.”

Responding, Ya’alon vowed “I will bring the best of my experience and values to this job, and I am determined to lead the IDF and defence branches to new heights, with responsibility and good judgment, in order to face the challenges of the future.” He then outlined those very challenges, emphasising that Iran’s nuclear development poses the major security threat to Israel. Ya’alon also highlighted the uncertainty in the Arab world and threats from the Gaza Strip and to the north of the country from Hezbollah. He added that a more equal share of Israel’s military burden will need to be introduced in the near future and emphasised that “the IDF is not a desert island,” indicating that the army may not be immune from budget cuts.

Meanwhile, it was also confirmed yesterday that fellow Likud MK Danny Danon will serve as Deputy Defence Minister. Danon, who placed fifth in the party’s primaries had at first appeared to reject a deputy ministerial role, but later accepted the position saying “I see this job as one with great importance and a real ability to contribute to the country.”