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Eyal HarelIsraeli military figure, brigadier general in the Israel Defense Forces
Date of Birth: 01.01.1974
Country:  Israel |
Content:
- Early Life and Career
- Field Command
- Staff and Planning Roles
- Counterterrorism and Interdiction
- Commanding Shayetet 3
- Operation Protective Edge and Beyond
- Senior Leadership
- Current Role
- Education and Personal Life
Early Life and Career
Entering the Israeli NavyIn August 1992, Eyal Harel enlisted in the Israeli Navy. He completed his officer training at the Israeli Naval Academy and subsequently attended the Naval Command School.
Field Command
Harel's initial command experience involved leading a "Super Dvora" patrol boat in the 914th Squadron, operating in the South Lebanon sector. In 2002-2004, he commanded the "Romach" missile boat (Saar-4.5 class) and also served in Shayetet 13 as a liaison officer. During the Second Lebanon War, he commanded a missile boat.
Staff and Planning Roles
In 2008, Harel graduated from the Inter-Service College for Field and Staff Command. That August, he was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel and appointed commander of the 916th Patrol Squadron. He conducted patrols in the Gaza Strip sector and participated in Operation Cast Lead.
Counterterrorism and Interdiction
In 2010, Harel participated in Operation Sea Breeze, which aimed to intercept a convoy attempting to breach the blockade of the Gaza Strip. He also repeatedly intercepted vessels smuggling weapons into the sector for Palestinian extremist organizations.
Commanding Shayetet 3
As commander of the 31st Division of the 3rd Missile Flotilla (Shayetet 3), Harel participated in the naval phase of Operation Pillar of Cloud. He also intercepted the container ship "Victoria," which carried weapons destined for Hamas. Subsequently, he became deputy commander of Shayetet 3 and was promoted to Colonel in 2013. Under his command, Shayetet 3 participated in various exercises, earning commendations from the Chief of General Staff.
Operation Protective Edge and Beyond
During Harel's tenure as commander of the 3rd Missile Flotilla, he took part in Operation Protective Edge, which targeted Palestinian extremist facilities and reinforced the Gaza Strip blockade. He also participated in the interception of the "Klos C" vessel in the Red Sea, which was carrying Iranian weapons.
Senior Leadership
In 2015, Harel was appointed head of the Planning Branch within the Planning and Force Construction Directorate of the IDF General Staff. He served on the Defense Budget Examination Committee. In 2018, he became the head of the Israeli Navy's Intelligence Directorate. From November 2019 to May 2021, he held the position of Head of the Navy's Maritime Operations Administration.
Current Role
Since May 2021, Harel has been head of the Planning Branch within the Planning and Force Construction Directorate of the IDF General Staff.
Education and Personal Life
Harel holds a bachelor's degree in economics and business management from the University of Haifa. He later earned a master's degree in political science and public security from the Israel National Security College and the University of Haifa. He is married with three daughters.
