The IDF and Defense Ministry are reportedly mulling the possibility of ending Maj.-Gen. Tomer Bar's tenure as chief of the Israel Air Force.
Current estimates indicate that the military and Defense Ministry want a new IAF chief who will be prepared for future challenges, in light of Iran's intentions to retaliate against Israel.
So who are the candidates to replace Bar's shoes?
The leading candidate is Brig.-Gen. Omer Tischler, a high-ranking official within the air force and former head of the Air Operations Command.
However, another name being brought up is Brig.-Gen. Eyal "Greenie" Greenbaum, former head of the Nevatim Base as well as Air Operations Command. According to sources within the IAF, Greenbaum is receiving support from another former senior officer.
A new head of the Israeli Navy
There is also talk over who will become the next head of the Israeli Navy. Currently, estimates within the IDF upper brass have pegged V.-Adm. Eyal Harel, the current head of the IDF Planning Directorate, is the leading candidate.
Harel has received considerable praise from Defense Minister Israel Katz for his performance during the war and has the full support of the highest levels of the defense sector.
However, several senior officers in the Navy have been critical of his potential appointment, noting that Harel served in senior staff positions in the Planning Directorate, part of the General Staff, rather than in the Navy.
However, other sources have noted that Harel played a major role in building up the Navy, conducting operations, and promoting naval offensive capabilities, demonstrating a keen understanding of the Navy's operational potential.
"The criticism is surprising," a source said, noting that "Harel's appointment is expected to strengthen the Navy in every sense."
Harel is up against the Navy's deputy commander, R.-Adm. Tal Politis, as well as R.-Adm. Guy Goldfarb, who serves as IDF representative on the National Security Council.
Replacing Harel at the head of the Planning Directorate is set to be Maj.-Gen. Hidai Zilberman, the IDF attaché in Washington.
According to military sources, Zilberman's family has already returned to Israel, sparking anticipation at who will succeed him in Washington. However, after Katz became involved in promoting soldiers to the rank of colonel and brigadier-general, and was noted for his refusal to be a rubber stamp for the General Staff, the military believes he will get involved in appointments at the major-general level.
This comes following the surprising appointment of Maj.-Gen. (ret.) Yoram Halevi to helm COGAT, a decision still echoing within the military's ranks. As a result, there is a degree of uncertainty regarding who will succeed Zilberman, who drew praise from the defense sector for his conduct during the war and how he used his influence at a time when countries were imposing embargoes on the Jewish state.
IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir has a number of potential candidates in mind. However, sources note that a potential appointment of Brig.-Gen. Guy Markizeno, who currently serves as Katz's military secretary, cannot be discounted.