The government of Israel Sunday approved the appointment of Major General Yoav Galant as the next chief of staff of the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF).

Galant, who currently heads the IDF's Southern Command, would become the country's 20th military chief, according to media reports.

The 51-year-old son of Holocaust survivors has served in the military for over three decades and led Israeli forces during the 2008/2009 Gaza incursion. Galant is considered more determined and hawkish than his predecessor, Gabi Ashkenazi.

He is expected to take office in six months' time. Galant's appointment has been shrouded in controversy over allegations of a smear campaign against his rivals for the top military job. A police probe into the so-called 'Galant affair' is under way.