The Israeli cabinet today unanimously approved the appointment of Maj Gen Benny Gantz as the next chief of the armed forces, ending months of infighting for the post among top generals.

The appointment of Maj Gen Gantz comes at a time when the region, engrossed in a strong political turmoil, faces one of its worst instability in decades.

“Maj Gen Benny Gantz is an outstanding officer and an experienced commander,” Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told his ministers.

“His experience is vast both in terms of operation and organisation. He is endowed with all of the qualities needed to be a wonderful commander for the Israel Defence Forces (IDF),” Netanyahu added.

The Israeli army will hold its official farewell ceremony for its outgoing Chief of Staff, Gabi Ashkenazi, today evening to be attended by President Shimon Peres, cabinet ministers and senior IDF officials, but it is not yet clear whether Defence Minister Ehud Barak, who has been embroiled for months in conflicts with Ashkenazi, plans to attend.

Gantz’s appointment ended months of infighting that brought to the fore ego clashes in the top echelons of Israel’s defence and politcal establishment.

Barak during the recent weeks looked hell-bent on preventing an extension for Ashkenazi in the position, and pushed through with Gantz’s elevation to the post after his efforts to put a temporary Chief of Staff to allow proper screening of the next army head was scuttled by strong political opposition by ministers in his cabinet and opposition parliamentarians.

Gantz’s appointment was authorised last Thursday by the Turkel Committee for senior public appointments and the approval by the cabinet comes a day before he officially takes over the post.

The official transition ceremony between Ashkenazi and Gantz will be held tomorrow morning at the Prime Minister’s office in Jerusalem.

The farewell ceremony for the outgoing Chief of Staff will be held at Tel Aviv University.

Barak was scheduled to deliver a speech at the ceremony, but continuing tensions between him and Ashkenazi have raised doubts that he will participate.