Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday announced that he has selected D., one of the deputy chiefs of the Mossad intelligence agency to serve as its next director.
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The nomination is pending the approval of the Advisory Committee on Senior Civil Service Appointments, chaired by retired Supreme Court Justice Eliezer Goldberg.
If approved, D., will replace Mossad Director Yossi Cohen, whose term was slated to end in January but was asked by Netanyahu to remain in office until June 2021.
A statement from the Prime Minister's Office described D., as having a "stellar record and vast experience."
A Mossad official described D. as a "seasoned veteran with a brilliant service record."
According to media reports, Netanyahu did not inform Blue and White leader and prime minister-designate Benny Gantz of the appointment, despite its highly sensitive nature.
Gantz, who serves as the defense minister, was reportedly furious to learn of the move from the media.
The prime minister is not obligated to inform the defense minister of his decision ahead of time, but that is the accepted practice.
Also on Tuesday, Public Security Minister tapped Border Police Commander Maj. Gen. Kobi Shabtai as the next Israel Police commissioner.
Shabtai, 56, has been at the helm of the Border Police for four years and was not considered a frontrunner for the position.
Following the announcement, Acting Police Commissioner Motti Cohen said he would retire from the force.
In an open letter to the Israel Police, Cohen said "outside influences" had prevented the appointment of a police chief for the past 18 months – Ohana did so only after being ordered by Attorney General Avichai Mendelblit – and added that during his term, he had to deal with "attempts to intervene in the work of the Israel Police. Intervention that has no place in the organization and that I did not allow."
Cohen further noted that "There are many senior officers in the Israel Police that are suited to continue and lead the organization and to create stability with their strength."
Later on Tuesday, Ohana tapped Maj. Gen. Katy Perry as the next Israel Prisons Service commissioner.
Perry, 56, has served in the IPS since 1990. She is slated to become the third female IPS chief, following Orit Adato and Ofra Klinger.
"Perry is our 'Iron Lady.' She's a very strong individual and she knows how to promote major moves. She knows how to manage people as well as situations. She listens to both the prisoners and the wardens – that's what makes her the best choice for this position," an IPS official said.
Shabtai and Perry's nominations are also pending the approval of the Advisory Committee on Senior Civil Service Appointments.
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