Benny Gantz is an Israeli former military leader who currently serves as the defense minister and deputy prime minister of Israel. With an impressive educational background and extensive experience in the IDF, Gantz has played a significant role in shaping Israel’s defense forces. He made history by appointing the first woman major general during his tenure as chief of general staff. Transitioning into politics, Gantz established the Israel Resilience Party and later formed the Blue and White alliance with Yair Lapid. Currently, he holds the position of deputy prime minister and defense minister, with the potential to become the prime minister in 2021. Gantz resides in Rosh HaAyin with his wife and four children.
Quick Facts
- Age: 64 Years, 64 Year Old Males
- Family: Spouse/Ex-: Revital Gantz, father: Nahum Ganz, mother: Malka Gantz, children: Nadav Gantz
- Born Country: Israel
- Education: National Defense University, University of Haifa, Tel Aviv University
- Awards: Commander of the Legion of Merit, Legionnaire of Legion of Merit
- Occupation: Military Leaders, Political Leaders
Childhood & Early Life
Benjamin “Benny” Gantz was born on June 9, 1959, in Kfar Ahim, a village located in southern Israel. His mother, Malka, survived the Nazi Holocaust in Hungary, while his father, Nahum, was Romanian. Benny’s parents were part of the group that founded the agricultural community named Moshav Kfar Ahim. He studied at the local Shafir High School in Merkaz Shapira and later joined a boarding school in the HaKfar HaYarok village in Ramat Ha-Sharon. Benny graduated from the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) Command and Headquarters College and the National Security College. He obtained a bachelor’s degree in history from Tel Aviv University and a master’s degree in political science from the University of Haifa. He also earned another master’s degree in national resources management from the National Defense University in the U.S.
Military Career
Benny Gantz joined the IDF in 1977 at the age of 18 and served as a soldier in the Paratroopers Brigade. He participated in various missions, including being part of the security team during Egyptian President Anwar Sadat’s visit to Israel. He fought in the First Lebanon War in 1982 and led the 890 Efe (Echis) paratroop battalion involved in counter-guerrilla operations in the South Lebanon security zone. Benny held several commanding positions, including commander of the Shaldag Air Force Commando Unit, commander of the 35th Paratroopers Brigade, and Ground Forces Commander. He also served as the military attaché in the United States. In 2011, Benny was appointed Israel’s 20th chief of general staff and made a lieutenant general.
Political Career
After completing his term as the chief of the general staff of Israel in 2015, Benny Gantz entered a 3-year period during which he was not eligible to run for the Knesset. In July 2018, he announced his formal entry into politics and created the Israel Resilience Party. In 2019, he formed the Blue and White alliance with Yair Lapid of Yesh Atid. Despite winning seats in the elections, no decision on the government could be made. In March 2020, Benny broke his vow and joined hands with Benjamin Netanyahu, leading to the disintegration of the Blue and White alliance. He became the 17th speaker of the Knesset and later signed a deal with Netanyahu to establish a “national emergency government.” Benny assumed office as the prime minister-designate, deputy prime minister, and defense minister of Israel in May 2020.
Awards and Controversies
In February 2012, Benny Gantz received the Legion of Merit award from General Martin Dempsey of the U.S. on behalf of the U.S. president. In March 2010, he faced controversy for allegedly encroaching upon public property with an extended yard. In February 2019, Benny was accused of exposing himself to an Israeli-American woman 40 years ago, which he denied and sued her for defamation.
Family & Personal Life
Benny Gantz is married to Revital, and they have four children named Nadav, Nir, Noga, and Noam. The family resides in Rosh HaAyin. Benny and Revital apparently met while he was serving in the paratrooper’s brigade. In 2018, Revital was accused of being part of a human rights group called Machsom Watch, but the allegations were dismissed.