Former head of the IDF’s Northern Command Maj.-Gen Amir Baram has been appointed the new IDF deputy chief of staff, Defense Minister Benny Gantz announced on Monday.
Baram was chosen following the recommendations of outgoing IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Aviv Kohavi and incoming Chief of Staff Maj.-Gen. Herzi Halevi.
Following his appointment, Baram met with Gantz at the minister’s office at the Kirya Headquarters in Tel Aviv.
“The State of Israel and the IDF face significant security challenges that require the improvement of force building and continuity of command in the IDF, as well as the proper management of manpower and security resources,” Gantz said.
Describing him as an officer who is “thorough and of high quality,” Gantz said that “he has led significant and successful operations in the northern arena in recent years, and has all the qualities required to fulfill the mission and serve as the deputy chief of staff.”
Who is Maj.-Gen Amir Baram?
Born in 1969, Baram enlisted in the Paratroopers Brigade in 1988 and served in a number of command positions including as commander of the elite Maglan commando unit and the Paratroopers Brigade. He has a bachelor’s degree in law from Reichman University and a master’s degree in international relations from King’s College in London.
His appointment comes shortly after the confirmation of Halevi as the incoming chief of staff, replacing Kohavi in January.