Israel's prime minister has appointed a new security adviser — an ex-general known for his hawkish views.

A statement from Benjamin Netanyahu's office Wednesday said Yaakov Amidror will become Israel's new National Security Council chief, replacing Uzi Arad, a longtime Netanyahu confidant who resigned.

Amidror is known as a hard-liner who opposed Israel's withdrawal from Gaza in 2005. He has since called to reoccupy the crowded area to stop frequent rocket attacks on southern Israel by Palestinian militants. That view is shared by a relatively small number of Israeli hawks.

His appointment comes as the Netanyahu appears poised to unveil a diplomatic initiative about peace with the Palestinians.

Talks collapsed last year over disputes about Israeli settlements in the West Bank.