Herzi Helevi
Herzi HeleviIDF Spokesperson

The IDF announced that the Minister of Defense, Benny Gantz, has appointed Maj. General Herzi Halevi as Deputy Chief of General Staff, by recommendation of the Chief of Staff, Major General Kochavi.

"Herzi is an experienced officer, who has performed various command and staff positions with honor, throughout and throughout the IDF system," the Defense Minister said. "As someone who has known him for decades, I am sure he will be an excellent deputy chief of staff, who will help the chief of staff and all IDF commanders lead the army in the face of changing challenges, in all operational arenas and in the required force building processes."

Minister Gantz thanked Maj. Gen. Yoel Strick, who was a leading candidate for the post, saying: "Yoel is a respected and distinguished officer, who has performed command positions on the ground and at headquarters, and is currently leading significant changes in the Army's operational concept. It is certain that he will continue to contribute to the IDF and the State of Israel."

Halevi began his military career in 1985 within the ranks of the Paratroopers Brigade. He was later admitted to the Sayeret Matkal commando unit.

Halevi led the 35th Paratroopers Brigade during Operation Cast Lead and in Sept, 2014 was named as Head of Israel's Military Intelligence. He is the first religious soldier in the history of the IDF to accomplish this feat.

Halevi was appointed as head of Israel's Southern Command in 2018, responsible for IDF activity in Gaza.