Benny Gantz: From Military General to Political Leader

Early Life and Military Career

Benny Gantz was born on June 9, 1959, in Kfar Ahim, Israel. He enlisted in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in 1977 and quickly rose through the ranks. Gantz held various command positions, including Chief of General Staff from 2011 to 2015.

Entry into Politics

After retiring from the military, Gantz entered politics in 2018. He established the centrist Israel Resilience party and joined forces with other parties to oppose Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Speaker of the Knesset

In March 2020, Gantz was elected Speaker of the Knesset, Israel's parliament. He held this position until early 2021, when he became Minister of Defense.

Minister of Defense

As Minister of Defense, Gantz has overseen the IDF's operations and played a key role in Israel's security policy. He has also been involved in peace negotiations and diplomatic efforts.

Resignation and Return

Gantz resigned as Minister of Defense in June 2021 due to disagreements within the governing coalition. However, he returned to the position in November 2022 as part of a new government.

Current Role and Legacy

Benny Gantz continues to be a prominent figure in Israeli politics. He is known for his pragmatism and commitment to strengthening Israel's security and fostering dialogue with its neighbors.