The government headed by Binyamin Netanyahu and Ehud Barak survived the Galant episode drummed up by the media and opposition, but lost its preferred candidate for chief of staff of the armed forces. The contest is not yet over.

Behind the obvious effects of the defense minister's parting with Labor and creation of a new party, there were two unpublished determining factors: A new opening for talks with the Palestinians and the defense minister belief that he cut short a dangerous coup against the government with military overtones.

Defense minister Ehud Barak informed Lt. Gen. Gaby Ashkenazi Tuesday, April 6, that his four-year tenure as IDF chief of staff would not be extended when it runs out next February. Barak and prime minister Binyamin Netanyahu decided that Israel needed a tougher and more hawkish military leader with Iran racing for a nuclear bomb and threats from its allies.
Maj. Gen. Yoav Galant, OC Southern Command, is top candidate.