Defense Minister Israel Katz approved on Wednesday the appointments of Colonel Omer Tishler as Israeli Air Force commander and Major General Eyal Harel as Israeli Navy commander.
The decision came after Defense System Comptroller Maj. Gen. (Res.) Yair Valensky completed a comprehensive investigation at the defense minister's request regarding Col. Tishler in the context of the October 7 events, going beyond the investigations conducted and published to date. This included meetings and interviews with numerous officers, examination of source materials and recordings, and, after reviewing all findings, recommending approval of his appointment.
Additionally, following review of the updated report conducted according to the directive of Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir on Israeli Navy activity after publication of the Turgeman report (an internal IDF investigation), the defense system comptroller found no systemic or personal deficiencies related to Eyal Harel that could affect his candidacy for the position of Israeli Navy commander. He recommended approving the appointment, and the defense minister accepted his recommendation.
This fulfilled the defense minister's directives given exactly 30 days ago to examine the appointment of senior officers based on completion of investigations and updated reviews regarding the October 7 events before making decisions on the appointments.
