Rabbi Gonder Cathy Perry Announces Decision to Continue Leading Israel Defense Forces
After five months of uncertainty surrounding her position as Commissioner of the Prison Service, Rabbi Gonder Cathy Perry has made a bold move by announcing her decision to continue leading the Israel Defense Forces until the end of the state of emergency in the country. This decision comes after her resignation announcement in January, and the subsequent refusal by Minister of National Security, Itamar Ben Gabir, to extend her term by a year.
In a letter addressed to the Minister of National Security, Rabbi Gonder Cathy Perry expressed her desire to continue serving the state of Israel, despite not being asked to continue as commissioner. Reports suggest that her decision may have been prompted by a desire to thwart Minister Ben Gabir’s plans to appoint a new commissioner or commissioners.
The announcement has caused a stir within the government, as it directly contradicts the temporary coalition agreement, which stipulates that no new appointments would be made. While some ministers have expressed support for Rabbi Gonder Cathy Perry’s decision, others, including Benny Gantz and Gadi Eisenkot, have made it clear that they will not allow new appointments.
The timing of Rabbi Gonder Cathy Perry’s decision is significant, considering the recent terrorist attack that shook the country on October 7, 2023. The prison service is currently operating in emergency mode, facing national tasks of utmost importance, including the detention of thousands of terrorists and the management of complex liberation operations.
In her letter, Rabbi Gonder Cathy Perry stated, “After 36 years of service working for the security of the State of Israel and out of a sense of responsibility, I am making myself available to the prison service to continue my services until the end of the state of emergency.”
It remains to be seen how Minister Ben Gabir and other government officials will respond to Rabbi Gonder Cathy Perry’s unexpected decision, and what implications it may have for the ongoing security operations in the country.