Israeli premier names new defense minister

Source :  Tehran Times

JERUSALEM (AP) — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appointed on Sunday a hard-line former military chief as new defense minister.

Yaalon, widely known by his nickname “Bogie,” was Israel's military chief from 2002 to 2005. He oversaw Israel's army operations during the bloody years of the second Palestinian.

Yaalon also prepared Israel's military for the country's 2005 withdrawal from the Gaza Strip. He did not support the decision to remove Israel's military installations and settlements from the Palestinian territory, and retired shortly before the withdrawal took place. After retiring, Yaalon briefly served as an expert with the Washington Institute for Near East Policy. For the past four years, Yaalon served as both vice premier and strategic affairs minister in Israel's outgoing government. In those positions, Yaalon was a member of Netanyahu's Security Cabinet, which dealt with sensitive matters and played a leading role in monitoring Iran's nuclear program.

Yaalon takes a hard-line view toward the Palestinian. Yaalon has said he believes the Palestinian leadership is not serious about wanting peace with Israel and he is cool to making concessions to the Palestinians.

Among other security challenges Israel faces is the chaotic situation in Egypt's Sinai desert, where Al-Qaeda-influenced militants are believed to be operating near the Israeli border; the Hamas control of the neighboring Gaza Strip; the civil war in Syria; and the activities of Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Netanyahu said in a statement to reporters that Yaalon has the experience to lead the country's defense during a “decisive period for the security of Israel, as the region around us rages.”

Yaalon will replace Defense Minister Ehud Barak, who is retiring. Israel's new government is expected to be sworn this week, ahead of Obama's arrival.