In an effort to upgrade Israel's preparedness for a possible confrontation with Iran, Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Dan Halutz has appointed Israel Air Force Commander Major General Eliezer Shkedy as the IDF's "campaign manager" against countries that do not border on Israel - primarily Iran.

The appointment was made before the war in Lebanon.

As part of his new responsibilities, Shkedy will act as "GOC Iran Command." He will oversee battle plans and manage the forces if war breaks out.

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According to a security source, Shkedy will be the "orchestra conductor," coordinating the operational activity of Mossad and Military Intelligence with the IDF's various operational branches.

The security source noted that during the 1991 Gulf War, the IDF did not have a "campaign manager" for Iraq. Instead, the IAF, the intelligence agencies and the ground forces each operated within their own areas of responsibility and authority.