The IDF on Monday named a new head of Operations Division, in place of the embattled, previously designated head, Brig.-Gen. Ofek Buchris. Buchris is under a Military Police investigation following allegations of rape and sexual harassment, which he denies. Brig.-Gen. Yitzhak Turgeman will be new incoming head of the Operations Division, the IDF said, pending an approval by Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon. Last week, IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Gadi Eisenkot canceled the appointment of Buchris to command the strategically vital unit. Buchris was due to take up the post soon. Military Police are investigating allegations by a female subordinate of several acts of rape and sexual harassment. Buchris was suspended from service on March 1. Army sources said that after consulting with the military advocate-general, and verifying that a lengthy legal process remains ahead of Buchris, Eisenkot decided that the investigation must be allowed to take its course without interfering with the need to appoint a Operations Directorate chief.
(photo credit: The Jerusalem Post)