Major General Gabi Ashkenazi(File Photo)

The Israeli government on Sunday unanimously approved Gabi Ashkenazi's appointment as the new Chief of Staff of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), Israeli daily Yedioth Ahronoth reported.

The report said that it was approved at Sunday's weekly cabinet meeting when ministers unanimously vote in favor of the 19th chief of staff's appointment.

Before the vote, Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert expressed his confidence in the capabilities of Ashkenazi, saying that "Gabiis an esteemed commander and leader with an impressive history in the IDF for many years."

According to the daily, the term of the appointment was also made public by Israeli Defense Minister Amir Peretz at the meeting, which is four years instead of three.

Following the government's approval, Ashkenazi will officially take the position in the middle of the month.

After the ceremony due on Feb. 14, Ashkenazi will replace the outgoing IDF Chief of Staff Dan Halutz, who submitted his resignation on Jan. 16.

Editor: Yan