Defense Minister Ehud Barak has sought to replace Ashkenazi. At least
four senior commanders were being considered as a successor, including
Deputy Chief of Staff Maj. Gen. Benny Gantz.
"There is a consensus that we can't change the CoS right now," an
official said.
Israel's media have reported that Ashkenazi agreed to stay on for a
fifth term. The media said Ashkenazi has concluded that none of the
candidates for succession was suitable for the post.
Barak aides have expressed outrage over the reports. They said the
defense minister ordered the Israeli military to issue a denial that
Ashkenazi was being considered for a fifth term.
"An extension of the chief of staff's term is irrelevant at this stage
and is not something the IDF is dealing with," an Israeli military statement
said on Feb. 10. "The army was not involved in this report."
Ashkenazi and Barak were said to be barely on speaking terms. The
Israeli daily Haaretz reported that Barak was concerned that the popular
Ashkenazi would enter politics.
Israeli military chiefs normally serve four years, divided into
two terms. Rarely, has a chief of staff remained for a longer period.