IDF Chief of Staff Benny Gantz has decided to appoint Brigadier General Yoav (Poli) Mordechai as the next IDF spokesman, it was announced on Sunday.
Mordechai will replace the current spokesman, Brigadier General Avi Benayahu after a period of overlap.
Until recently, Mordechai served as the Civil Administrator in Judea and Samaria, reporting to the Coordinator of Government Activities in Judea and Samaria. During the 2005 disengagement from Gaza, Mordechai served in the Coordination and Liaison Administration of the Gaza Strip, then located at the Erez checkpoint. He has also studied at the National Defense College.
Defense Minister Ehud Barak has approved Mordechai’s appointment. Previously it was reported that Col (res.) Lior Lotan would be appointed IDF spokesman. However, Lotan, who was Yoav Gallant's candidate for the job, withdrew his candidacy after Gallant’s appointment as Chief of Staff was canceled and Benny Gantz was appointed to the position instead.
The IDF spokesman’s unit said on Sunday that Mordechai has served for many years and brings with him a wealth of experience.
Brigadier-General Benayahu’s term will end after four years in office as IDF spokesman. Benayahu will continue his military service in the coming months and work on a special project as agreed upon by the Chief of Staff.
http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/143019
