Moshe Ya'alon

Moshe Ya'alon served as the Chief of the General Staff of the Israel Defense Forces from 2002 to 2005, a period defined by the military efforts to suppress the Second Intifada. Following his departure from the military, he transitioned into civilian governance, eventually holding the position of Minister of Defense between 2013 and 2016.

Early Development and Military Entry

Born Moshe Smilansky in Kiryat Chaim on 24 June 1950, he was raised in a working-class environment. He adopted the name Ya'alon during his time in a Nahal group. In 1968, he began his military service by volunteering as a paratrooper. During the 1973 Yom Kippur War, he participated in the 55th Paratroopers Brigade mission that crossed the Suez Canal into mainland Egypt, eventually taking part in the encirclement of the Egyptian Third Army.

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Command and Intelligence Roles

He held numerous field commands, including leading the Sayeret Matkal commando unit. His professional progression included studies at the Staff College in Camberley, United Kingdom, and the University of Haifa, where he earned a BA in Political Science. In 1995, he was promoted to major general and served as the head of Military Intelligence. Later, he commanded the Central Command during the start of the Second Intifada.

Political Tenure

Entering politics in 2008, he joined the Likud party and secured a seat in the Knesset in 2009. His government career included roles as Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Strategic Affairs. As Defense Minister starting in 2013, he oversaw Operation Protective Edge. He resigned in 2016 after citing moral and professional disagreements with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Later, he served in the Knesset as part of the Blue and White list until his retirement in 2021.