Yoav Gallant is an Israeli politician and former military officer.
He was born in Israel in 1958 and began his military career in 1977 as a naval commando.
Gallant later moved into the ground forces and became a general and commander of the Southern Command in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).
In 2010, he was chosen to succeed Gabi Ashkenazi as the Chief of Staff of the IDF, and he has been serving as the Minister of Defense since 2022.
Gallant is a member of the Knesset for Likud and has held various positions in the Israeli government, including Minister of Construction for Kulanu.
His extensive military background and current role as Minister of Defense make him a key figure in Israeli politics and defense matters.
Gallant’s leadership and experience in the military have positioned him as an influential voice in matters of national security and defense policy.
His recent meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken underscores the importance of his role in international relations and security cooperation.
How old is Yoav Gallant?
Gallant was born on November 8, 1958, making him 65 years old as of November 2023.
Yoav Gallant height
According to Wealthy Spy, Gallant stands at 5 feet 9 inches tall or 1.75 meters, and weighs about 80 Kgs.
Yoav Gallant religion
At the time of publishing this article, Gallant’s religion remains unknown.
It is important to note that the religious affiliation of the Israeli population as of 2022 was 73.6% Jewish, 18.1% Muslim, 1.9% Christian and 1.6% Druze, with the remaining 4.8% including faiths such as Samaritanism and BaháʼÃ, as well as “religiously unclassified”.
The State of Israel declares itself as a “Jewish and democratic state” and is the only country in the world with a Jewish-majority population.
The Jewish population in Israel identifies with various religious subgroups, including Hiloni (secular), Masorti (traditional), Dati (religious) and Haredi (ultra-Orthodox).
Additionally, the country’s laws and Supreme Court rulings protect the freedoms of conscience, faith, religion and worship, regardless of an individual’s religious affiliation.
The influence of Judaism is prominent in Israel, with the country being defined as a Jewish state, and many national and cultural symbols being derived from Judaism.
Islam is the second largest religion in Israel, with the vast majority of Israel’s Muslims being ethnically Arab.
Christianity and the Druze faith also have a presence in the country, contributing to its religious diversity.
Despite the significant role of religion in Israel, a large portion of the population is secular, and even the ultra-Orthodox community experiences a steady stream of members who tire of its strict religious rules.
This complex blend of religious and ethnonational identity among Israeli Jews reflects the diverse religious landscape of the country.
Yoav Gallant wife
Gallant is married to Claudine, a retired IDF lieutenant colonel, and a cancer survivor.
The aging couple has a son and two daughters.
Where does Yoav Gallant live?
Gallant lives in the community of Amikam in northern Israel, with his wife and their three children.
How much is Yoav Gallant worth?
According to the search results, Gallant’s net worth is estimated to be around $5 million as of November 2023.
He accumulated his net worth primarily through his career as a military officer and later as a politician.
Gallant served as the commander of the Southern Command within the IDF and later entered politics, being elected to the Knesset and appointed Minister of Construction and Housing.
Yoav Gallant military career
Gallant is known for his extensive military career and subsequent political involvement.
He began his military career in 1977 as a naval commando in the 13th Flotilla.
Over the years, he held various leading positions, including commanding a missile ship and serving as the commander of the Jenin Brigade in 1993.
Gallant’s career also saw him take on the role of head of the Southern Command in 2005.
His military experience culminated in his appointment as the 20th IDF chief of General Staff, making history as the first chief of staff to come from the navy.
After his military career, Gallant transitioned into politics and has been serving as a Member of the Knesset (MK).
His diverse background in both the military and politics has contributed to his influence and recognition in Israel.
Yoav Gallant political career
After retiring from the army, Gallant entered politics and joined the Kulanu party in January 2015.
He was subsequently elected to the Knesset and appointed as the Minister of Construction in May 2015.
Gallant’s political career also saw him heading up the ministries of Education and Immigration until 2022 when he became the Minister of Defense of the State of Israel.
On the flip-side, his career has not been without controversy.
In 2011, Gallant faced allegations regarding his home in Moshav Amikam, which put him in the hot seat during his nomination for the IDF Chief of Staff.
Despite this, his contributions to the military and his subsequent political roles have solidified his position as a prominent figure in Israeli politics.
Throughout his career, Gallant has been known for his strong leadership and has been vocal about various national and international issues.
His experience as a military commander has likely informed his approach to political leadership, making him a significant figure in Israel’s defense and security landscape.
Yoav Gallant’s current position
As mentioned earlier, Gallant currently holds the position of Minister of Defense of the State of Israel.
He assumed this role in 2022, marking a significant milestone in his political career, which has seen him serve in various ministerial positions since entering politics in 2015.
Gallant’s background as a former commander of the Southern Command in the IDF has likely informed his approach to leading the defense ministry, making him a key figure in Israel’s security landscape.
His extensive military experience and subsequent political roles have positioned him as a prominent and influential figure in Israeli politics.
Role of Minister of Defense of the State
Thia docket plays a crucial role in overseeing the defense and security of the country.
The ministry is responsible for protecting and securing Israel and its civilians through political, military and social means.
It oversees most of the Israeli security forces, including the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), Israel Military Industries (IMI) and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI).
The ministry focuses on building the strength of the Israel Defense Forces, promoting security research and technology development, and encouraging the export of security.
The political head of the Ministry of Defense is the Defense Minister of Israel, who is considered to hold the second most important position in the Israeli cabinet and is a permanent member of the Security Cabinet.
The Defense Minister heads and operates the defense system, aided by assistants, advisors and a staff directly subordinate to him.
The ministry’s responsibilities include coordination of operations in specific territories, internal auditing of the defense system and overseeing civilian agencies such as Israel Military Industries and the Armament Development Authority.
What is Yoav Gallant’s political affiliation?
Galant is a member of the Likud party, which is a right-wing political party in Israel.
He has also been associated with nationalist populist and centrist parties in Israel.
What does Yoav Gallant say about the Hamas – Israel war?
Gallant has been vocal about the conflict between Israel and Hamas.
He emphasized that Israel has no choice but to defend itself and that Hamas underestimated the resilience of the Israeli people.
Gallant has also stated that Israel will use all necessary means, including ground operations, to stop Hamas’ attacks and eliminate the organization.
He has expressed a firm stance, asserting that Gaza will never return to what it was and that Hamas will regret its actions.
Additionally, he has referred to Hamas as the “ISIS of Gaza,” highlighting the severity of the threat posed by the organization.
Gallant’s statements reflect a resolute commitment to protecting Israel and its citizens, as well as a determination to address the security challenges posed by Hamas.
His position as Defense Minister underscores the significance of his statements and the policies he advocates for in the ongoing conflict.