New Israeli chief of staff vows to make ‘deadly’ army

Lieutenant General Aviv Kochavi took office on Tuesday as Israel's new army Chief of Staff, replacing Lt. Gen. Gadi Eisenkot.

Speaking at his swearing-in ceremony, Kochavi vowed to strengthen the army's capabilities and turn it into a "deadly, efficient" force.

"Now, as it is my turn, and I have received the responsibility of leading the army, I commit to dedicating all my energy, with a critical and demanding approach, to strengthening our defensive wall, to training for present and future threats-which focuses upon strengthening our attack capabilities towards our enemies, and presenting an army that is deadly, efficient and modern, that preserves its mission and its uniqueness," he said.

"Like every soldier who enlists, I also vow to dedicate all my efforts to the defense of the homeland," he said.

Tuesday's ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and a host of ministers and officials.

Kochavi, 55, served in the Paratroopers Brigade and was promoted to several positions until he became commander of the Northern Brigade.

He was the commander of the firepower unit, the commander of the Gaza Brigade, the head of the Operations Division in the Israeli Military Intelligence Service, before chairing the same body.

He also served as the deputy chief of staff.

Kochafi holds a master's degree in public administration from Harvard University.