Benny Gantz

Benny Gantz, a prominent Israeli general and politician, was born on June 9, 1959.

Benny Gantz was drafted into the IDF in 1977 and volunteered as a paratrooper in the Paratroopers Brigade. He began his military career with various missions and operations, including serving as part of the security detail for Egyptian President Anwar Sadat's visit to Israel.

Benny Gantz fought in Operation Litani in March 1978 as a paratrooper, marking one of his early military involvements.

Benny Gantz participated in a raid against a Fatah training base in Lebanon in June 1978 as part of his service as a paratrooper.

In 1979, Benny Gantz started his military career by becoming a paratrooper and undergoing officer training. This marked the beginning of his journey in the military.

Benny Gantz obtained a bachelor's degree in history from Tel Aviv University, a master's degree in political science from the University of Haifa, and an additional master's degree in National Resources Management from the National Defense University in the United States.

In 1991, Benny Gantz played a crucial role in leading the mass airlift of Ethiopian Jews to Israel in Operation Solomon. This operation was a significant humanitarian effort and a testament to Gantz's leadership.

Benny Gantz oversaw the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Lebanon in 2000.

Benny Gantz became the commander of the Israeli Northern Command in 2001, after serving in various senior command positions and as Israel's military attaché in the United States from 2005 until 2009.

Benny Gantz reentered Lebanon during the 2006 Lebanon War to recover two captured soldiers, which led to significant civilian casualties and displacement.

Benny Gantz was recommended by Defense Minister Ehud Barak to be appointed as the 20th Chief of the General Staff of the IDF after the canceled appointment of the previous nominee. The appointment was pending approval by the Turkel Advisory Committee on Senior Appointments and a government vote.

On February 13, 2011, the Israeli government unanimously approved Benny Gantz to be the next IDF chief of staff. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised Gantz's excellent officer and experienced commander, highlighting his rich operational and logistical experience.

Benny Gantz assumes the position of IDF chief and expresses readiness to confront the upcoming challenges.

Benny Gantz served as the Israel Defense Forces top general from 2011 to February 2015. During this time, he oversaw significant military operations against Hamas forces in Gaza.

Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Benny Gantz led the IDF during Operation Pillar of Defense in November 2012.

In 2013, Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Gantz was awarded the Legion of Merit by the United States Armed Forces.

Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Benny Gantz led the IDF during Operation Brother’s Keeper in June 2014.

Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Benny Gantz led the IDF during Operation Protective Edge in July 2014.

In 2015, Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Gantz was awarded an honorary doctorate from Bar Ilan University in recognition of his contributions to Israeli society.

On 27th December 2018, Benny Gantz registered a new political party, marking a significant development in Israeli politics.

In his first major political speech on 29 January 2019, Gantz pledged to strengthen Israeli settlement blocs in the West Bank and said that Israel would never leave the Golan Heights. He neither endorsed nor rejected a two-state solution to the Israeli–Palestinian conflict.

At the Munich Security Conference, Gantz enumerated the main challenges of the West as 'extremist Iran, Islamic terror, and regional instability'. He also criticized Benjamin Netanyahu's decision to bar U.S. Congresswomen Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib from entering Israel.

The United Gantz-Lapid party was named 'Blue and White', with the absence of women in the top 6 positions, indicating a significant decision in Israeli politics.

On 26 March 2020, Benny Gantz was elected as the Knesset speaker, replacing Likud's Yuli-Yoel Edelstein who resigned. He made a vow not to serve under a 'corrupt leader' facing criminal charges.

On 20 April 2020, Benny Gantz and Benjamin Netanyahu announced an agreement on a unity government following the 2020 legislative election. The deal involved both parties splitting power and Gantz and Netanyahu taking turns being prime minister.

Benny Gantz assumed the role of 1st Alternate Prime Minister of Israel on May 17, 2020, serving alongside Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a power-sharing agreement.

On 29 June 2020, Benny Gantz expressed opposition to Netanyahu's annexation plans, emphasizing the need to prioritize the COVID-19 pandemic.

On 23 December, Gantz and Netanyahu's unity government collapsed, triggering new elections in March 2021.

Following the resignation of Avi Nissenkorn, Gantz became the acting Minister of Justice until 1 April 2021.

Netanyahu nominated Member of the Knesset Ofir Akunis for the position of Minister of Justice in a cabinet meeting on 27 April 2021.

Benny Gantz's term as 1st Alternate Prime Minister of Israel ended on June 13, 2021, following the agreed-upon duration of the power-sharing arrangement with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Benny Gantz was set to become the Prime Minister of Israel on 17th November 2021, but due to a coalition government formed in June 2021, Naftali Bennett became the Prime Minister with Yair Lapid as the alternate.

On 30 May 2022, Benny Gantz called for La Familia and Lehava to be designated as terrorist organizations following violence and racist remarks against Palestinians in the annual Dance of Flags.

On 7 October 2023, the 2023 Israel–Hamas war began following an incursion by Hamas militants. The following day, Gantz announced his willingness to temporarily join Netanyahu's government and establish a war cabinet. The agreement was ratified by the Knesset and went into effect on 12 October.

Israel vows to 'finish the job' in Gaza as a War Cabinet member threatens a Ramadan deadline for Rafah.

New attempts at a Gaza cease-fire are underway as Israel's Gantz expresses the need for it.

Israeli strikes result in the death of over 70 people in Gaza, and West Bank shooters kill an Israeli.

Benny Gantz, a rival of Netanyahu, visits the US, indicating wider cracks in Israel's wartime leadership.