Minister of Defense Ehud Barak has approved today, February 5, 2012, the decision by the IDF Chief of the General Staff, Lieutenant General Benny Gantz, to appoint Major-General Amir Eshel the new commander of the IAF.

Maj.-Gen. Amir Eshel will replace Maj. Gen. Ido Nehushtan.

Major-General Eshel enlisted to IAF pilots’ training course #88 in the year 1977.
After completing the flight course, Maj.-Gen. Eshel began his service as a “Skyhawk” pilot and later served as an instructor in the Flight Academy, as well as a commander of “F-16″ and “F-4 Phantom” squadrons. Nine years ago, he was nominated to become Head of the Operational Division and later served as commander of the Ramon and Tel-Nof airbases, after which he served as Head of the Aerial Formation and Head of the IAF Headquarters.

While he served as Commander of Tel-Nof airbase, Maj.-Gen. Eshel led the historical flight over Auschwitz. Since 2008, Maj.-Gen. Eshel served as Chief of the IDF Planning Directorate.

Major-General Amir Eshel, the new commander of the Israeli Air Force