Haim Bar-Lev Israeli military and statesman, general. Date of Birth: 16.11.1924 Country: Israel

1. Early Life and Military Service
2. Military Education and Command
3. Chief of the General Staff
4. "Bar-Lev Line" and Six-Day War
5. Post-Seven Years' War and Diplomatic Career

Early Life and Military Service

Born in Zagreb, present-day Croatia, Haim Bar-Lev arrived in British Mandate Palestine in 1939. He graduated from an agricultural school in 1942. During the 1942-1948 period, Bar-Lev served as a member of the elite Palmach, a Jewish paramilitary organization. During the conflict with the British authorities, he led the operation to blow up the Allenby Bridge over the Jordan River.

During the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, Bar-Lev commanded the 8th Battalion of the Negev Brigade. He later led a mechanized battalion and served as an operations officer for the brigade's headquarters.

Military Education and Command

In 1956, Bar-Lev completed studies at a military academy in England. From 1957 to 1961, he commanded the Israeli Army's armored corps. He then pursued studies in economics and administrative sciences at Columbia University (1961-1964).

Chief of the General Staff

Upon returning to Israel in 1964, Bar-Lev was appointed head of the Operations Division of the General Staff. On the eve of the Six-Day War in 1967, he became Deputy Chief of the General Staff. From 1968 to 1972, Bar-Lev served as Chief of the General Staff of the Israel Defense Forces.

"Bar-Lev Line" and Six-Day War

After the 1967 Arab-Israeli War, Bar-Lev oversaw the construction of the "Bar-Lev Line" on the Sinai Peninsula. The line consisted of two bands of fortifications. The first, along the east bank of the Suez Canal, featured earthworks and bunkers. The second, located 30-45 kilometers from the canal, included long-term engineering structures designed for operational reserves.

The "Bar-Lev Line" sparked controversy within the Israeli military leadership. General Ariel Sharon argued that such fortifications were vulnerable and ineffective in modern warfare. However, his arguments were dismissed.

Post-Seven Years' War and Diplomatic Career

From 1972 to 1977, Bar-Lev served as Minister of Trade and Industry. During the Yom Kippur War, he acted as a special adviser to the Chief of the General Staff. From 1984 to 1990, Bar-Lev held the post of Minister of Police in the National Unity Government. In 1992, he was appointed Israel's Ambassador to Moscow.