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Benny GantzIsraeli military and political figure
Date of Birth: 09.06.1959
Country:  Israel |
Content:
- Early Life and Military Education
- Combat Roles and Leadership Positions
- Commanding Officer and Division Commander
- Senior Command Positions
- Military Attache and Deputy Chief of Staff
- Chief of Staff of the IDF
Early Life and Military Education
Benny Gantz was born in the moshav of Kfar Ahim, Israel, to Holocaust survivors Naftali and Malka Gantz, who had immigrated from Hungary. He completed his high school education at Ha-Kfar Ha-Yarok boarding school in Ramat HaSharon. In 1977, Gantz joined the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), serving in the 50th Battalion of the Paratroopers Brigade.
Combat Roles and Leadership Positions
Gantz played a pivotal role in several significant military operations. He participated in Operation Litani in Lebanon in 1978 and Operation Ish Damim in 1980. After completing a marine corps course in the United States, he returned to Israel during the Lebanon War and fought in West Beirut. Subsequently, he held command positions in the Paratroopers Brigade, including engineering company commander, operations officer, and deputy commander of the Shaldag unit.
Commanding Officer and Division Commander
In 1989, Gantz was appointed commander of the Shaldag unit, leading its operations during Operation Solomon. He also served as commander of a reserve paratrooper brigade, the Judea Territorial Brigade, and the Paratroopers Brigade. From 1998 to 2000, he commanded the Etgar Reserve Division of the Northern Command. Following the death of the commander of the Liaison Unit with Lebanon, Gantz assumed command of the unit until its disbandment in 2000.
Senior Command Positions
Gantz's military career progressed through a series of senior command positions. He led the Territorial Division of Judea and Samaria during the Second Intifada. From 2002 to 2005, he served as Commander of the Northern Command, overseeing operations during the Second Lebanon War. Subsequently, he held the position of Head of the Ground Forces Command from 2005 to 2007.
Military Attache and Deputy Chief of Staff
In 2007, Gantz was appointed as Israel's military attaché to the United States, a position he held until 2009. Upon returning to Israel, he was promoted to Deputy Chief of Staff of the IDF, serving in this role from 2009 to 2010.
Chief of Staff of the IDF
On February 14, 2011, Gantz assumed the position of Chief of Staff of the IDF. During his tenure, he oversaw the military's response to the Arab Spring protests and played a key role in the 2014 Gaza War. Gantz concluded his tenure as Chief of Staff on February 16, 2015.
