Attorney General Yehuda Weinstein has called on Defense Minister Ehud Barak to explain himself regarding the appointment of Major-General Gadi Eisenkott as the next IDF deputy chief of staff.

Weinstein reminds the defense minister that the Defense Ministry’s legal advisor, Erez Ben-Ari issued a directive not to appoint a new deputy chief of staff until following the elections as to avoid such a move during the electioneering process. It appears the defense minister opted to ignore the directive issued by Ben-Ari.

Ben-Ari was acting in compliance with a High Court of Justice ruling that advises against nominations and appointments during election season. While the court’s ruling does not prohibit such a move, it does state that it is ill advised.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)