Surprising transition in the IDF: Shaldag commander to lead Givati Brigade
In a broad round of IDF appointments, the next commanders for the Givati, Paratroopers, Nahal, Commando, Kfir, and armored brigades were determined. Defense Minister Israel Katz also approved the appointment of Major General Dado Bar Kalifa as the next commander of the Central Command, effective in 2027.
The General Staff decided on Monday on a series of appointments to key command positions in the IDF, including the next commanders of regular brigades and special units. A prominent appointment is that of Colonel Bar Bashan, who commanded the Shaldag unit and will move from the Air Force to the Ground Forces to lead the Givati Brigade.
Alongside him, Colonel Ran Friedman is appointed commander of the Paratroopers Brigade, Colonel Shimon Siso of the Commando Brigade, Colonel Eitan Gilad of the Nahal Brigade, and Colonel Nir Ifargan of the Kfir Brigade.
Additionally, Colonel Efrat Keikov was appointed commander of the 282nd Fire Brigade, becoming the first woman to command this brigade. Keikov previously commanded the 213th Fire Brigade and was the first woman to command a battalion in the Artillery Corps. She is a graduate of the "Alon" command and staff course and is the second woman in the IDF to be appointed as a brigade commander.
In the Armored Corps, Colonel Yonatan Meir will lead the Saar Mi-Golan Formation (7th Brigade), Colonel Tal Alkobi the Barak Formation (188th Brigade), and Colonel Niv Dauba the Bnei-Or Formation (460th Brigade).
In the Navy's special units, Colonel 'A' is appointed commander of Flotilla 13, Colonel 'B' of the Submarine Flotilla, and Colonel 'V' of the Missile Ship Flotilla. All appointments are subject to approval by Minister of Defense Israel Katz.
From Shaldag to commanding Givati
Bashan's appointment is notable due to the transition between two different IDF frameworks. Shaldag is a special commando unit under the Air Force, while Givati is a regular infantry brigade. Bashan will bring operational experience gained in the special unit to the brigade.
The appointment comes at a sensitive time for Givati. Recently, an incident occurred in the Rotem Battalion where several soldiers refused an order to report for operational activity in the Gaza Strip. Following an investigation, five soldiers were sentenced to ten days in military prison, and 11 others to five days.
Changes in Navy flotillas and General Staff wings
In the Navy, Lieutenant Colonel 'R' is appointed commander of the Ashdod base (promoted to Colonel), and Lieutenant Colonel 'S' will lead the Navy training base (promoted to Colonel).
In the Intelligence Directorate, Brigadier General 'R' is appointed commander of the Special Operations Array. In the Planning Directorate, Colonel Yonatan Schneider is appointed head of the Tevel Brigade (promoted to Brigadier General).
In the Technology and Logistics Directorate, Brigadier General Hai Kfir Magnazi is appointed chief of staff, Colonel Elad Banano Zion will lead the Logistics Brigade (promoted to Brigadier General), and Colonel Avi Malka will command the General Staff Supply Center (promoted to Brigadier General).
In regional commands, Colonel Anan Fares is appointed operations officer of the Southern Command, and Colonel Dvir Avraham Diamond of the Northern Command.
Bar Kalifa to command Central Command
Defense Minister Israel Katz approved the recommendation of Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir to appoint Major General Dado Bar Kalifa as the next commander of the Central Command. Bar Kalifa, currently head of the Manpower Directorate, is expected to take office in 2027, based on operational assessments.
