1. Herzl "Herzi" Halevi is a retired Israeli general who served as the Chief of the General Staff of the Israel Defense Forces from 16 January 2023 to 5 March 2025.
17 Facts About Herzi Halevi
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Herzi Halevi previously served as the commander of the Israeli Southern Command, the chief of the Military Intelligence Directorate, the commander of the 91st Division, the commander of the 35th Paratroopers Brigade, and the commander of the Sayeret Matkal.
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Herzi Halevi was named after his uncle who died in the battle for Jerusalem in the Six-Day War several months before his birth.
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Herzi Halevi studied at Himmelfarb religious high school and was a member of the Tzofim religious scouts.
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Herzi Halevi was drafted into the Israel Defense Forces in 1985.
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Herzi Halevi volunteered as a paratrooper in the Paratroopers Brigade.
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Herzi Halevi led the brigade's anti-tank company in counter-guerrilla operations during the South Lebanon conflict.
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In September 2009, Herzi Halevi was promoted to the rank of brigadier general and appointed commander of the Operational Division in the Military Intelligence Directorate and served in that position until 11 October 2011.
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Herzi Halevi finished his role there in November 2013 and in 2014 became the commander of the IDF Command and Staff College.
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On 6 June 2018, Herzi Halevi became the commander of Israel's Southern Command, overseeing the IDF's activity around the Gaza Strip.
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Herzi Halevi was nominated as the incoming chief of staff by the defense minister, Benny Gantz, on 4 September 2022.
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Herzi Halevi became the 23rd Chief of Staff on 16 January 2023 replacing outgoing Chief from Aviv Kohavi.
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On 12 September 2024, The Times of Israel reported that Herzi Halevi was "making preparations" to step down as Chief of Staff in December 2024.
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Herzi Halevi was awarded three campaign ribbons for his service during three wars.
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Herzi Halevi is married to Sharon and has four children.
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Herzi Halevi grew up religious and still attends synagogue on the Sabbath.
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Herzi Halevi holds a bachelor's degree in philosophy and business management from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and a master's degree in international resource management from National Defense University in Washington, DC, United States.