Officer in ATV scandal to get new army post within days

Israel Defense Force Chief of Staff Gabi Ashkenazi is expected to find a new post for Brig. Gen. Moshe (Chico) Tamir within the next several days.

Tamir was a senior combat commander until he became embroiled in a scandal for letting his son drive an army ATV, and then covering up the accident that ensued.

On Tuesday, a military appeals court overturned a lower court's decision to demote Tamir.

However, the appeals court recommended that for two years, Tamir would neither be promoted nor serve in a command position. Ashkenazi is expected to accept this recommendation.

IDF sources suggest that the most appropriate position for someone of Tamir's abilities and experience is heading the operations brigade. Brig. Gen. Kobi Barak has already been designated for the position, however.

It is also considered one of the top-ranking posts for brigadiers general can be appointed, and therefore might be seen as at odds with the recommendation not to promote Tamir.

Meanwhile, the case of Brig. Gen. Imad Fares has again come to the fore. He was involved in a similar case, involving his wife and and army-issued vehicle.

Yesterday, dozens of Druze officers appealed to the chief of staff and to Defense Minister Ehud Barak, asking that Fares not be treated differently than Tamir, and be allowed to return to active duty.