Skip to main content

Israel’s chief of staff revealing his political preferences

The decision by IDF Chief of Staff Aviv Kochavi to promote Brig. Gen. Ofer Winter reflects his future political aspirations.
RTS2AQLQ.jpg
Read in 

Israel has its own version of Napoleon’s famous saying, “Every soldier carries a marshal's baton in his pack.” In these parts, every general carries a prime minister’s baton — or at least that of a defense minister — in his pack. Three former army chiefs are now eyeing the seats of power from the leadership of the opposition Blue and White party. A fourth, Ehud Barak, who changed his fatigues for a suit and tie when he became prime minister 20 years ago, has formed a new party — Democratic Israel — bringing on board yet another general, Maj. Gen. (Res.) Yair Golan.

There was also much talk recently about former Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. (Res.) Gadi Eizenkot as a possible reinforcement for those challenging the Likud party’s hold on power. Ordinarily, Eizenkot would have had to wait three years after leaving the military to run for the Knesset, but given the language of the law and the disbanding of the Knesset on May 29, just weeks after it was sworn in, Eizenkot could potentially run in the upcoming Sept. 17 elections. The law, however, does not prevent generals from paving their way into politics while still in uniform. Barak, for example, was state politics champion even as a young general in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).

Access the Middle East news and analysis you can trust

Join our community of Middle East readers to experience all of Al-Monitor, including 24/7 news, analyses, memos, reports and newsletters.

Subscribe

Only $100 per year.