From Paratrooper to War Cabinet: The Military Career of Israel's Benny Gantz

Countries & Cities · Published 3 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Benny Gantz, a retired Israeli general and former defense minister, transitioned from a high-stakes military career to the center of Israeli politics. Often viewed as a stabilizing force, his path from commanding elite units to joining his rival's war cabinet reflects the complex security landscape of the modern Middle East.

Born in 1959 in the cooperative village of Kfar Ahim, Benny Gantz was raised by parents who survived the Holocaust and helped establish the community. He enlisted in the Israel Defense Forces in 1977, joining the Paratroopers Brigade. His early military service included roles in Lebanon and security details for high-profile diplomatic visits. Over decades, he ascended the ranks, eventually serving as the IDF's chief of staff from 2011 to 2015, a period marked by significant operations in the Gaza Strip.

Gantz's military tenure was defined by major strategic challenges. In 1991, he led Operation Solomon, an airlift that brought 14,500 Ethiopian Jews to Israel. Later, he commanded the Judea and Samaria Division during the outbreak of the second intifada and oversaw the Northern Region Command. His career also involved controversial moments, such as the 2006 Lebanon War, where he served as commander of the Ground Forces. The subsequent Winograd Commission report, which investigated that conflict, recommended the formation of a war cabinet composed of members with military experience.

In 2018, Gantz entered politics, forming the Israel Resilience party to challenge Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. His political journey has been marked by shifting alliances, including the formation of the Blue and White electoral list and his participation in emergency unity governments. Following the October 7, 2023, terrorist attack, Gantz joined Netanyahu’s war cabinet, a move interpreted by many as a stabilizing measure. He served in this capacity until June 2024, when he exited the cabinet, continuing his role as a prominent figure in the Israeli opposition.

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