Israel Ziv (Hebrew: ישראל זיו; born 1957) is an Israeli retired general who held several prominent posts including the head of the Israel Defense Force's Operations Directorate.[1] During the 2023 Israel–Hamas war, Ziv emerged as a symbol of individual resistance and initiative, engaging directly in conflict zones, organizing military efforts, and spearheading civilian defense initiatives amidst a Hamas incursion.[2]
Israel Ziv | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Native name | ישראל זיו |
| Born | 1957 (age 66–67) |
| Allegiance | Israel Defense Forces |
| Years of service | 1975–2005 |
| Rank | Aluf |
| Unit | Paratroopers Brigade |
| Commands | 50 paratroop battalion, reserve paratrooper brigade, the 35th Paratroopers Brigade, head of the Paratroopers and Infantry Corps, Gaza Division, Operations Directorate |
| Battles / wars | Operation Litani 1982 Lebanon War South Lebanon conflict First Intifada South Lebanon conflict (1985–2000) Second Intifada 2023 Israel–Hamas war |
Military career
editZiv was drafted into the Israeli Defence Forces in 1975. He volunteered as a paratrooper in the Paratroopers Brigade. He served as a soldier and a squad leader and took part in various raids against armed Palestinian organizations and camps in Lebanon, including Operation Litani. He became an infantry officer after completing Officer Candidate School and returning to the Paratroopers Brigade as a platoon leader. During the 1982 Lebanon War, he served as a company commander and led the 35th Paratroopers Brigade's Reconnaissance company during heavy fighting against PLO operatives and the Syrian army.[3][4] Ziv led 101st "Peten" (Elapidae) paratroop battalion[5] and the 35th Paratroopers Brigade in counter-guerrilla operations in South Lebanon.[6] He later served as head of the Paratroopers and Infantry Corps and commanded the Gaza Division[7] during the Second Intifada.
In 2003, Ziv was appointed head of the IDF's Operations Directorate.[8]
Sanctions
editIn December 2018, the U.S. Treasury imposed sanctions on Ziv and accused him of using an agricultural consultancy as cover for weapons sales to South Sudan. The sanctions were lifted in 2020.[9]
2023 Israel–Hamas War
editDuring the initial stages of the 2023 Israel–Hamas war, Israel Ziv, who had already retired, became notably active in responding to a substantial attack from Hamas, which included a barrage of rocket fire and gunmen crossing into Israeli territory. Upon learning of the incursion and resulting significant civilian and military turmoil, Ziv, equipped with a nine-millimeter pistol, proceeded towards the conflict zone, organizing soldiers, supervising evacuations, and participating in combat. His actions, widely reported by Israeli media, subsequently transformed him into a notable figure representing individual initiative, particularly in the context of what some observers and Ziv himself viewed as a failure by the government and military to sufficiently safeguard civilians.[2]
Ziv, who has been openly critical of the government under Benjamin Netanyahu, asserting it to be "totally paralyzed" and arguing it has pursued policies that have both divided Israelis and undermined national security, remained actively engaged in various aspects of Israeli civil society and governance amid the crisis. This included leading initiatives to secure funding for victims and their families, and liaising with military and security officials to strengthen civilian defense mechanisms. Concurrently, with public trust in the military's protective capabilities reportedly waning, Ziv initiated and led efforts to equip and organize civilians, including utilizing the expertise of retired generals and former soldiers, to formulate community defense squads nationwide, with a particular focus on regions proximate to the Gaza border.[2]
References
edit- ^ Israel Ziv, A historic achievement for Israel, The Jerusalem Post, 3 April 2019.
- ^ a b c Gettleman, Jeffrey (12 October 2023). "The Retired Israeli General Who Grabbed His Pistol and Took On Hamas". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 25 June 2024. Retrieved 12 October 2023.
- ^ U.S. puts sanctions on Israeli ex-general over South Sudan arms sales, +972 Magazine, 18 December 2018.
- ^ Gal Perl, “The IDF’s unique advantage, the commanders are the secret to its strength”: Lessons learned from 1982 to 2023, The Dado Center for Interdisciplinary Military Studies, April 30, 2024.
- ^ Gal Perl Finkel, Importance of IDF Ground Forces in new army appointments, The Jerusalem Post, 21 February 2019.
- ^ Gal Perl Finkel, When good commander doesn't equal a good politician, The Jerusalem Post, 7 March 2019.
- ^ Isabel Kershner, In Tunnel War, Israeli Playbook Offers Few Ideas, The New York Times, 1 August 2014.
- ^ Israel Ziv, The real Iranian threat, Ynetnews, 17 July 2015.
- ^ "Israel ex-general under U.S. sanctions denies arming South Sudan war". Reuters. 16 December 2018. Retrieved 25 November 2023.