Haim Laskov

Haim Laskov

Israeli General, 5th Chief of the General Staff of the Israel Defense Forces
Date of Birth: 01.01.1919
Country: Israel

Content:
  1. Haim Laskov: Israeli General and a Transformative Chief of Staff
  2. Service in the Israel Defense Forces
  3. As Chief of Staff
  4. Later Life and Legacy

Haim Laskov: Israeli General and a Transformative Chief of Staff

Early Life and Military Service

Born in Russia and migrating to British Mandate Palestine in 1925, Haim Laskov joined the Haganah, a Jewish paramilitary organization, as a teenager. During the 1936-1939 Arab revolt, he served in Charles Wingate's "Special Night Squads." He also worked as a personal courier for Ya'akov Dori, who later became the first Chief of Staff of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).

Laskov enlisted in the British Army in 1940 to participate in World War II. After its outbreak, he joined the Jewish Brigade, serving in Italy. Demobilized in 1945, Laskov remained in Europe, assisting in the illegal immigration of Jews to Palestine and participating in acts of retaliation against Nazis and collaborators.

Service in the Israel Defense Forces

Upon his return to Palestine, Laskov headed the security service of the Palestine Electric Company while simultaneously rejoining the Haganah. At the outset of the 1948 War of Independence, he organized the IDF's first officer training course and commanded a tank battalion during Operation "Nachshon." Subsequently, he led an entire brigade during the "Palm Tree" operations in Galilee.

Despite his lack of aviation experience, Laskov was appointed commander of the Israeli Air Force. During his tenure, the IAF acquired Gloster Meteor jet fighters. After retiring from active duty, he pursued further studies in the United Kingdom in philosophy, economics, and political science, as well as military subjects.

As Chief of Staff

In 1958, at the age of 39, Laskov became Chief of Staff of the IDF. Facing the potential threat posed by the United Arab Republic, he oversaw the expansion of Israel's military capabilities, including the acquisition of submarines and Dassault Super Mystère fighter-bombers from France.

During Laskov's tenure, the IDF engaged in a series of confrontations with Syria. In 1958, he directed a large military parade in Jerusalem, showcasing Israel's military might and capturing territory along Lake Hula. He also ordered a retaliatory operation against Syrian artillery fire on Galilee.

One of the most controversial events of Laskov's time as Chief of Staff was an unexpected reserve mobilization on April 1, 1959, known as "Ducks' Night." The suddenness of the drill caused widespread panic, leading to the resignation of senior officers.

Later Life and Legacy

Following his retirement from the IDF in 1961, Laskov became the General Director of the Israel Ports Authority, overseeing the development of the port of Ashdod. He also wrote extensively on military strategy and served as the first Ombudsman for the IDF from 1972 until his death.

Haim Laskov's legacy as an Israeli general is complex and multifaceted. He played a pivotal role in shaping the IDF, introducing advanced weaponry and modernizing its training. His bold leadership during the War of Independence and his decisive actions as Chief of Staff contributed to Israel's security and territorial integrity.

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