The chief of general staff of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), Maj. Gen. Benny Gantz, will conclude his four-year tenure in the middle of February 2015. The Protective Edge campaign tarnished his public image and, for the first time, he became the target of scathing criticism, mainly from the right flank of the Cabinet. On Oct. 4, in honor of the Day of Atonement, Gantz gave rare interviews to several Israeli media outlets.

Gantz, who was fourth on the list for the chief of staff position (he was preceded by Maj. Gen. Yoav Galant, whose nomination was disqualified, and two other generals who turned down the offer) — is widely regarded as a calm person who detests risk-taking and doesn’t encourage waging war. There are many Israelis who feel that the military and its leaders should always strive to be proactive and make plans for future assaults. They feel that it is the role of the political echelons to restrain the armed forces, to deliberate and decide. But during the Protective Edge campaign it was actually the IDF that took on the task of restraining and frightened the Cabinet with the possible ramifications of a Gazan conquest, striving to end the fighting as soon as possible.

Gantz’ name was recently mentioned as a candidate for replacing Israeli ambassador to Washington Ron Dermer. This summer will mark two years of Dermer’s catastrophic term of office. Dermer has no foothold in the White House and is viewed as a Republican Trojan horse, planted by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the very heart of the US capital. Since Dermer is a political and not professional appointee, his position may be terminated after two years. Gantz is viewed as the ideal replacement for many reasons: He has served as an Israeli military attaché in Washington, he studied in the United States twice in the course of his career and he has a temperament suited to working in Washington. Gantz is also held in great esteem by the Pentagon, he is familiar with the United States and, though his political views are enigmatic, the impression is that he could rehabilitate whatever Netanyahu, billionaire Sheldon Adelson and Dermer have left of the Israeli-US relations.

But will Gantz really get the job? It is highly doubtful. Netanyahu, who took pains to isolate himself at the Israeli top and forestall all potential competitors, is not likely to cooperate in building up Gantz as a political alternative.