Gantz received his new rank at a ceremony at the office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who vowed the Israeli military is "ready for all eventualities" as the Arab and Muslim world experiences "an earthquake."

"An earthquake is shaking the whole Arab world and a large part of the Muslim world and we don't yet know how these things will turn out," the premier said.

"We are ready for all eventualities because we know that the foundation of our existence and our capacity to convince our neighbours to live in peace with us is based on the Israeli army," he said.

Gantz takes over the top military post as Israel's strategic stance in the Middle East undergoes a shakeup in the wake of a popular revolt in Egypt that ousted president Hosni Mubarak after three decades in power.

Israel has reacted cautiously to the overthrow of Mubarak, an ally who was involved in years of Middle East peace negotiations.

But it welcomed a statement by Egypt's new military ruling council that Cairo remains committed to all its treaties, including its landmark 1979 peace deal with Israel.

Gantz, 51, replaces Lieutenant General Gabi Ashkenazi, in a hasty transition brought about by months of infighting among top generals and a scandal in the military hierarchy.

A former deputy chief of staff, Gantz was second choice for the tough post after the general initially designated for the job, Major General Yoav Galant, was disqualified over allegations that he had illegally grabbed land around a luxury villa he built.

Gantz said that he accepted the command of the Israel Defence Force "with belief in my professional abilities" and "great respect."

He officially took command at a ceremony at military headquarters in Tel Aviv.

Both ceremonies were also attended by US Joint Chiefs of Staff chairman Admiral Mike Mullen, dispatched to Israel to reassure the Jewish state that the fall of Mubarak would not affect the US alliance system in the region.

earlier related report
US military chief reassures Israel after Egypt revolt
Jerusalem (AFP) Feb 14, 2011 - The top US military commander reassured Israeli leaders on Monday that military ties between the allies remain as strong as ever in the face of the changes sweeping the Middle East.

US Joint Chiefs of Staff chairman Admiral Mike Mullen was dispatched to Israel and Jordan to reassure them the fall of veteran Western ally Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak after 18 days of mass protests would not affect the US alliance system in the region.

"The connection and the relationship with the Israeli Defence Forces goes back decades," Mullen said ahead of a meeting with President Shimon Peres.

"The strength of this relationship is something that we both depend on, and it's particularly relevant in these very difficult times," Mullen said, alluding to the events in Egypt and Tunisia.

Israel has been fearful that the events unfolding in Egypt could lead to the unravelling of the 1979 peace treaty between the two countries, a cornerstone of Israel's defence policy.

And Israel was critical of the United States for supporting the pro-democracy protests, saying that Mubarak had been instrumental in preserving the treaty and stability in the region.

Israel's fears were eased slightly when Mubarak handed power to the military, which said in a statement on Saturday that Cairo would continue to respect all its treaties, including with the Jewish state.

But Israel still fears that a hostile Islamic regime could emerge from the turmoil.

The United States, which helped broker the peace deal is the main guarantor of the pact, giving both countries billions in aid, much of it military.

Peres reiterated how important US support was for Israel.

"For us, the US is the best friend we have and we are full of respect for the American military and see it as one of the most important institutions. The greatness of the US is that you draw strength from giving and not from taking," he said.

During his visit, Mullen met Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Ehud Barak, their offices said without giving details of the talks.

He also attended a ceremony in which Lieutenant General Benny Gantz took over as armed forces chief of staff.

Before arriving in Israel, Mullen met Jordan's King Abdullah II and chief of staff Lieutenant General Meshaal al-Zabn.

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