The primary task of the Corps will be to extend joint IDF operations into the strategic depth"Jerusalem (ANTARA News) - The Israeli military`s plan to form a new command in charge of missions far beyond Israel`s borders by Sunday had perked curiosity, both over potential upcoming operations, and the man chosen to lead it.
Defense Minister Ehud Barak and Chief of Staff, Lt.-Gen. Benny Gantz said that the new command, to be called the "Depth Corps," will be headed by Maj.-Gen. (res.) Shai Avital, a former Israel Defense Forces (IDF) commander who had been retired for almost a decade.
The new unit will combine existing special forces units -- the army`s Sayeret Matkal, the Air Force`s Shaldag, and the Navy`s Flotilla 13 SEALs -- and will oversee and coordinate their covert operations.
Local media quoted military sources as being displeased over the choice of Avital over currently active officers, and hinted that his friendship with Barak was part of the reason for the choice.
Gantz on Sunday, however, chided the critics of the staffing decision, saying that "Military appointments are based on transparent strategic considerations. We choose only the most suitable people," the Ynet news site reported.
The formation of this new unit comes amid a flurry of recent media reports of a possible Israeli strike against Iran to thwart its controversial nuclear program.
"The primary task of the Corps will be to extend joint IDF operations into the strategic depth," an IDF`s statement said.
Xinhua
Editor: Jafar M Sidik
Copyright © ANTARA 2011
