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About
Gadi Eizenkot (also spelled Eisenkot) is a prominent Israeli general and politician. Born on May 19, 1960, in Eilat, he pursued maritime studies before enlisting in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), where he served in the elite Golani Brigade and rose through the ranks. From 2015 to 2019, he served as the 21st Chief of the General Staff of the IDF, overseeing critical operations and strategic military planning during a period of heightened regional tensions with a focus on operational readiness and ethical conduct. After his military career, he transitioned to politics, joining the Yashar party and later becoming a leader of the National Unity party, serving as a minister without portfolio in Israel's unity government from 2023 to 2024 and contributing to national security discussions. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in history from Tel Aviv University and a postgraduate degree in political science from the University of Haifa. Eizenkot is married with five children and resides in Herzliya. Tragically, his son Gal Eizenkot was killed in action during the Gaza war in November 2023. Throughout his career, he has been recognized for his pragmatic approach to defense policy and maintains close ties to military networks, positioning him as a key figure in Israel's defense strategy and political landscape.