Bennett: "Israel" is in a sensitive security situation
Former Israeli occupation PM Naftali Bennett says it would be irresponsible not to appoint an IOF chief of staff during a sensitive security period in Lebanon and Gaza.
Israeli media quoted Sunday former Israeli occupation Prime Minister Naftali Bennett as saying that "It is irresponsible not to appoint a chief of staff while Israel is in a sensitive security situation."
Amit Segal, Israeli Channel 12 political commentator, wrote on his Telegram account that in today's cabinet session, Bennett considered that it would be irresponsible not to appoint an Israeli occupation forces (IOF) chief of staff during a sensitive security period in Lebanon and Gaza Strip.
"Hezbollah and [the natural gas rig] Karish, the war between the wars in Syria, Operation Breaking Dawn in Gaza. We are entering an election cycle and do not know how long it will last. Security necessities must be placed above any politics," considered Bennett.
On Sunday, the Israeli occupation cabinet voted to approve the appointment of Attorney-General Menachem Mazuz as head of the advisory committee that is responsible for appointing senior officials to government positions.
According to the Jerusalem Post, the "Advisory Committee for the Appointment of Senior Civil Service Officials" is responsible for reviewing candidates for key positions, including the IOF chief of staff, and recommending to the government whether to approve the appointments.
The news website said that the appointment is necessary in order for the committee to recommend to Israeli Security Minister Benny Gantz candidates for the next IOF chief of staff position.
It indicated that "Attorney-General Gali Baharav-Miara allowed Gantz to go ahead with the appointment (of an IOF chief of staff) even though caretaker governments in election periods are generally not allowed to make major appointments."
According to the Jerusalem Post, right-wing Israeli politicians protested Baharav-Miara's decision, "arguing that there could still be a smooth transition if current Chief of Staff Aviv Kochavi’s tenure would be extended for a few months."
The news website pointed out that Israeli Interior Minister, Ayelet Shaked, asked Bennett "to use his veto power over which topics can be voted on in the government, however, Bennett declined and the vote passed."