Moshe Levi
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Gen. Moshe Levi (Hebrew: משה לוי) (1936 – January 8, 2008) was the 12th Chief of Staff of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). He served in this position from 1983-1987. He was the first Chief of Staff of Mizrahi origin.
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[edit] Biography
Levi, born in Tel Aviv to an Iraqi Jewish family, was known by his army nickname Moshe VeHetzi (Hebrew: משה וחצי lit. "Moshe and a half") because of his towering height.[1]
He was drafted into the army in 1954 and served in the Golani infantry brigade. Later he joined the paratroops. In 1956, after completing his officer's course, he took part in the Mitla Pass parachute drop.[2]
Levi was promoted to Chief of Staff in 1983, succeeding Rafael Eitan. During his tenure, he oversaw the redeployment of Israeli troops in Lebanon and the creation of the security zone in South Lebanon. Israeli aviator Ron Arad was taken captive at this time.
Levi helped to found the IDF Ground Forces branch.[2] He presided over the IDF withdrawal from Lebanon in 1985 and created two new brigades: the Nahal and Givati brigades.[3]
After retiring from the army, Levi returned to his home on Kibbutz Beit Alfa in northern Israel. In his last years, he was a member of the supervisory board of Highway 6, also known as the Trans-Israel Highway.
Levi was married twice and had five children.
On January 1, 2008, Levi suffered a massive stroke, his second, and died eight days later of a brain aneurysm at HaEmek Medical Center in Afula.[3]
[edit] Popular culture
In a sketch by the HaGashash HaHiver comedy trio, Moshe Levi is referred to as 'Musa Wanus' ('Moshe and a half' in Arabic).
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- ^ The project of 'Moshe-and-a-half' Haaretz, 11 January 2008
- ^ a b Ex-IDF chief Moshe Levy dies at 72 Haaretz, 10 January 2008
- ^ a b Former IDF Chief of Staff Moshe Levy hospitalized Yediot Ahronoth, 1 January 2008
[edit] External links
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