Profile
Yoav Gallant
Minister of Defence of Israel
Defence minister; former IDF Southern Command chief; central to Gaza and Iran operations
Likud; Israeli government
1958–present
Age 67
Status:
Summary
Israeli Defence Minister since December 2022. Led defence policy during the Gaza war and the June 2025 Twelve-Day War with Iran, and the February 2026 joint US-Israel campaign. Former commander of the Southern Command and Navy.
Legacy
Resume & Resources
Personal Timeline
  • 2022-12 — Defence Minister
    Appointed in Netanyahu's government.
  • 2025-06 — Twelve-Day War
    Led Israeli strike planning and execution.
  • 2026-02 — Feb 2026 campaign
    Operation Roaring Lion; joint US-Israel strikes.
Relational Overview
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Publications
Citations
Biographic content

1. Origins & Formation

Born in Jaffa; career officer in the IDF; commanded naval and ground units. Veteran of Lebanon and Gaza operations; shaped by Israel’s asymmetric threat environment and the need for decisive military action.

2. Rise to Influence

Headed Southern Command; entered politics with Likud; became Defence Minister in Netanyahu’s 2022 government. Manages defence policy across Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran theatres; coordinates with IDF Chief of Staff and PM office.

3. Worldview & Inner Logic

Fear driver: Iranian nuclearisation, Hezbollah build-up, multi-front war. Belief driver: Military deterrence and pre-emption; Israel cannot afford a nuclear Iran. Identity driver: Defence establishment professional; security hawk aligned with Netanyahu.

4. Exercise of Power

Oversees IDF and defence policy; approves strike plans; represents Israel in US-Israel military coordination. Key voice in the war cabinet during the Gaza conflict and the Iran campaigns.

5. Role in 2025-2026

Central to planning and execution of Israeli strikes on Iran during the Twelve-Day War and the February 2026 joint US-Israel campaign. Led defence policy for Operation Rising Lion and Operation Roaring Lion.