Israeli former Shin Bet chief Avi Dichter was unanimously voted in as the new chairman of the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee on Tuesday, The Jerusalem Post reported. 

Dichter replaced MK Tzachi Hanegbi (Likud), who was sworn in as a Minister without Portfolio Monday night. Hanegbi first became Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee chairman in 2006, and served in the role in the 17th, 18th and 20th (current) Knessets.

Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein praised Hanegbi as an experienced chairman who did important work behind the scenes.

Dichter said he has been familiar with the committee for 20 years, starting from when he was the head of the Shin Bet’s security department after former prime minister Yitzhak Rabin was assassinated, continuing to when he was Home Front Defense Minister, and as a member and subcommittee chairman.

Source: MENA