Kaniak (left) and Gavizon
Kaniak (left) and GavizonIsrael news photo: Flash 90

For the first time ever, the Israel Prisons Service will soon be headed by an officer who came up through its ranks, as opposed to an external appointment. Public Security Minister Yitzchak Aharonovich has selected Major-General Eli Gabizon as the next IPS Commissioner.

Gabizon is currently the IPS Southern District commander. He will begin his term as the 16th IPS Commissioner in about two months' time, when the current IPS Commissioner, Lt.-Gen. Benny Kaniak, completes his four-year term.  
 
Ever since its establishment 61 years ago, the IPS was always under the command of an external appointee from one of the other security arms - usually from the police. 
 
2010 ended tragically for the IPS: the organization lost 37 cadets in the IPS Officers' Course who died in the huge fire on the Carmel.