Born Shahrām Mofazzazkār in 1948, Shaul Mofaz migrated from Tehran to Israel at age nine. He evolved from a laborer in Eilat into one of the most prominent military figures in the nation, eventually rising to become the sixteenth Chief of the General Staff of the Israel Defense Forces, marking a significant transition from immigrant youth to high-ranking state servant.
Early Development and Military Ascent
After attending an agricultural boarding school in Nahalal, Mofaz enlisted in the Israel Defense Forces in 1966. Joining the Paratroopers Brigade, he served in the Six-Day War and later engaged in the Yom Kippur War. His career spanned various roles, including command in the 890th Battalion and a position as deputy commander of Sayeret Matkal. He participated in Operation Entebbe in 1976 and commanded the 769th Territorial Brigade by 1981.
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Appointed Chief of the General Staff in 1998, Mofaz oversaw major structural and financial changes within the military. His tenure included the 2000 withdrawal from the South Lebanon security zone and the initial management of the Second Intifada. During this period, he implemented intensive counter-guerrilla strategies, including the controversial use of armored bulldozers to create security buffers in Rafah, navigating significant international scrutiny regarding military tactics.
Transition to Government
Upon retiring from military service, Mofaz entered the civilian cabinet as Minister of Defense in 2002. He served in this role until 2006, after which he was elected to the Knesset. Throughout his political career, which included terms as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transportation, he shifted political allegiances, notably joining the Kadima party in 2005. He led Kadima starting in 2012 before concluding his legislative career in 2015.
Fast facts
- Born: 1948, Tehran
- Citizenship: Israel
- Chief of the General Staff: 1998-2002
- Minister of Defense: 2002-2006
- Education: Bar-Ilan University
- Military Rank: General
- Knesset Service: 2006-2015
- Political Party: Kadima
Questions readers ask
What was his role during the 2000 withdrawal?
As Chief of the General Staff, Mofaz directed the military's withdrawal from the South Lebanon security zone.
Did he serve in the Knesset?
Yes, he was a member of the Knesset from 2006 until his retirement in 2015.
Achievements
- Chief of the General Staff (1998–2002)
- Minister of Defense of Israel (2002–2006)
- Knesset member (2006–2015)
- Minister without portfolio
- Educated at Bar-Ilan University
