Yoram Halevi appointed next head of COGAT

Prof. Kobi Michael: I see no problem with Yoram Halevi’s appointment to the position. I think he has the background and the skills that can be suitable, certainly no less than another general in the army or a brigadier general who would be promoted to the rank of major general.

The problem is not in the appointment, but in the decision to place him in an IDF uniform with the rank of major general. I did not understand this move, as there have already been civilian heads of COGAT. COGAT is part of the Ministry of Defense and is subordinate to the Minister of Defense. Why could he not have been appointed to the position as a civilian?

The larger problem is the evolution of COGAT into an integral part of the IDF General Staff. The fact that COGAT has over the years become an inseparable part of the army, and the head of COGAT a part of the General Staff, is the problematic issue in my view. The essence of COGAT is civilian, and its entire reason for existence is in the connection and cooperation with the PA on a very wide range of civilian issues.

Security coordination can be separated from COGAT as was the case until 2001, leaving that part in the military, while the whole of COGAT can become a civilian body.

Published in JNS, September 12, 2025.