1. Haim "Kidoni" Bar-Lev was a military officer during Israel's pre-state and early statehood eras and later a government minister.
11 Facts About Haim Bar-Lev
1. 2.
From 1942 through 1948, Bar-Lev served in various Jewish military units, such as the Palmach.
3.
Haim Bar-Lev became both a pilot and a parachutist, which would later serve him in developing both of these military branches in the young Israel Defense Forces.
4.
In 1946, Haim Bar-Lev blew up the Allenby Bridge near Jericho to prevent Arab militiamen in Trans-Jordan from entering Jewish towns west of the Jordan River.
5.
Israeli Chief of Staff General Chaim Bar-Lev initiated the construction of defensive structures along the Canal, despite advice from several seasoned commanders.
6.
Between 1968 and 1971, Haim Bar-Lev served as IDF's Chief of General Staff, which made him the highest-ranking military officer.
7.
Haim Bar-Lev immediately took charge and worked towards stabilizing the front.
8.
The effect that Haim Bar-Lev's arrival had on the chaotic Southern command headquarters was described by Gonen's deputy, Uri Ben-Ari, in testimony to the Israeli military's historical department:.
9.
Haim Bar-Lev remained Minister of Trade and Industry until the Alignment government was defeated and replaced by the Likud under the leadership of Menachem Begin following the 1977 elections, in which Haim Bar-Lev was elected to the Knesset for the first time.
10.
Haim Bar-Lev retired from the Knesset at the time of the 1992 elections, and was appointed ambassador to Russia, serving until 1994.
11.
Haim Bar-Lev's son Omer Bar-Lev is an Israeli politician member of the Labor Party.