The country’s 19th Chief of Staff will either be Deputy Chief of Staff Maj.-Gen. Moshe Kaplinsky, Maj.-Gen. (res.) Gabi Ashkenazi or Ground Forces Commander Maj.-Gen. Benny Ganz, according to media reports.
Peretz held meetings with both leading candidates, and others, on Wednesday.
Ashkenazi is reported to be favored over Kaplinsky due to the likelihood that the latter will be criticized by the Winograd Commission once it publishes its findings on last summer’s war with Hizbullah in Lebanon. Northern Command OC Maj.-Gen. Benny Ganz is considered by others to be too young and inexperienced for the job.
Ashkenazi was passed over for the post in favor of Halutz by former Defense Minister Sha'ul Mofaz in 2005. Halutz succeeded Moshe Yaalon, who was released to early retirement due to his opposition to the Disengagement Plan.
Prime Minister Olmert said that although it is Peretz’s job to make the decision, "but Peretz said he intends to set up a clear process, in order to choose the best possible Chief of Staff."
Olmert’s aides say the PM plans on consulting with the Winograd Commission, which he appointed, to see whether its conclusions might implicate any of the candidates.
Ganz, Kaplinsky and Ashkenazi all appeared, or are scheduled to appear, before the Commission.
The government intended to keep the Commission’s findings under wraps, but the Supreme Court ordered the state on Wednesday to explain, within five days, why the hearings are not open to the public and the protocols of testimony not published.
The Supreme Court petition was filed by Meretz MK Zahava Gal-On. Gal-On sought to add to the request a provision delaying the appointment of a new Chief of Staff, on the grounds that Olmert and Peretz are not ethically authorized to appoint one. The request was rejected on the grounds that it was not filed with the original petition.
Peretz held meetings with both leading candidates, and others, on Wednesday.
Ashkenazi is reported to be favored over Kaplinsky due to the likelihood that the latter will be criticized by the Winograd Commission once it publishes its findings on last summer’s war with Hizbullah in Lebanon. Northern Command OC Maj.-Gen. Benny Ganz is considered by others to be too young and inexperienced for the job.
Ashkenazi was passed over for the post in favor of Halutz by former Defense Minister Sha'ul Mofaz in 2005. Halutz succeeded Moshe Yaalon, who was released to early retirement due to his opposition to the Disengagement Plan.
Prime Minister Olmert said that although it is Peretz’s job to make the decision, "but Peretz said he intends to set up a clear process, in order to choose the best possible Chief of Staff."
Olmert’s aides say the PM plans on consulting with the Winograd Commission, which he appointed, to see whether its conclusions might implicate any of the candidates.
Ganz, Kaplinsky and Ashkenazi all appeared, or are scheduled to appear, before the Commission.
The government intended to keep the Commission’s findings under wraps, but the Supreme Court ordered the state on Wednesday to explain, within five days, why the hearings are not open to the public and the protocols of testimony not published.
The Supreme Court petition was filed by Meretz MK Zahava Gal-On. Gal-On sought to add to the request a provision delaying the appointment of a new Chief of Staff, on the grounds that Olmert and Peretz are not ethically authorized to appoint one. The request was rejected on the grounds that it was not filed with the original petition.