IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi appointed Lt.-Col. Elad Goren on Tuesday to lead the military’s humanitarian-civilian effort in the Gaza Strip, following a meeting with Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, the IDF said.
Goren’s new position, which falls under the purview of the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT), also includes a promotion to the rank of Brigadier-General
However, the new appointment was not welcomed by all, and faced sharp criticism, Israeli media reported, citing sources in the IDF.
The Southern Command condemned the decision to place Goren under the jurisdiction of the COGAT and argued the position should have been under the Southern Command headquarters’ jurisdiction, commanded by Maj.-Gen. Yaron Finkelman.
Better operational efforts
According to the sources, the Southern Command explained that Goren could synchronize the operational effort with civilian effort, including the restoration of civilian infrastructure, more efficiently under Southern Command. In other words, humanitarian aid should be aligned with ground maneuvering and operational tasks in the field and at the border.
“Just as the role of managing the Palestinian population under Brig. Gen. (Res.) Udi Ben Moha is under the Southern Command to enhance the integration of the operational and civilian efforts. This role should also be under the Southern Command,” criticized one military source regarding Halevi’s decision.
Amir Bohbot contributed to this report.