Maj. Gen (res.) Dan Harel, the director-general of the Defense Ministry, notified Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon on Sunday of his wish to complete his three-year term and step down in the coming months.
Harel will remain in his position until a successor is appointed and trained. He entered the role in August 2013, and oversaw, in the past three years, the creation of a multi-year budget for the defense establishment, enabling the IDF to enact a five-year spending program for the first time in several years, accompanied by structural efficiency reforms.
Harel also oversaw the development of a multi-year missile and rocket defense system, the development of technological solutions to the threat of Hamas cross-border underground tunnels, the move of the IDF to southern Israel, and the privatization of Israel Military Industries.
Harel released a statement, saying he took satisfaction in his time in office, and thanking Ya'alon for "the freedom to work and the great trust he put in me."
