New Chief of Staff Benny Gantz of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has selected Colonel Hod Batzar of the Samarian community of Elkana to be his aide. The graduate of the Or Etzion Hesder Yeshiva worked with Gantz in the Northern Command. He is currently the head of the office of the Chief Military Rabbinate.
Colonel Batzar replaces Colonel Erez Wiener, who was the office chief for outgoing Chief of Staff Gabi Ashkenazi. Wiener was expected to be named as the IDF's chief education officer, but his involvement in the "Herpaz Document Affair" may have reduced his chances. The Herpaz Document purportedly suggested that eventually failed candidate Yoav Galant use smear tactics to become chief of staff.