Overview

• The Defense Ministry and the military announced the appointment on Sunday, with Defense Minister Israel Katz and IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir selecting Halevi jointly.
• Upon assuming the post, Halevi will receive the rank of major general and a seat on the IDF General Staff Forum.
• He will replace Maj. Gen. Ghassan Alian, who has held the role for the past four years.
• The appointment marks the first time the COGAT position goes to someone from outside the IDF, according to Haaretz.
• Halevi previously led the Jerusalem and Southern police districts, the Border Police, Lahav 433 and the Yamam; Israel National News reports his son was killed during the Swords of Iron war, and Haaretz has cited past accusations of secret contacts with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.