Shmuel Zakai

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Shmuel Zakai is an Israeli Brigadier-General who was forcibly discharged from the Israel Defense Force (IDF) in November 2004 by order of Chief of Staff Moshe Yaalon.

Zakai resigned as commander of the IDF's Gaza Division, a position he had held since March 2004 , after failing a polygraph test during an investigation into leaks to the Israeli media during the "Days of Penitence" operation in the northern Gaza Strip in October 2004 . Zakai was accused of leaking reports to the media that the IDF wanted to end the operation before the political echelon did. After resigning as head of the Gaza Division, Zakai was removed from the IDF altogether after 24 years of service, with Yaalon saying that his actions had constituted "an abandonment of a division during combat." He was replaced by Aviv Kochavi, a former commander of the Paratroopers Brigade.

Zakai's brief tenure as head of the Gaza Division was marked by a dramatic increase in attacks on Palestinian areas, including "Operation Rainbow" directed against Rafah in southern Gaza (May 2004) and "Operation Days of Penitence" against the northern Gaza Strip (October 2004). Israeli and international observers argued that the IDF was employing 'scorched earth' tactics in Gaza, including widespread destruction of Palestinian homes and agriculture, in preparation for the 'disengagement plan.'

Zakai's previous positions include:

  • 2002-2004: Commander, Edom (Elat) Division
  • 1999-2001: Commander, Golani infantry brigade
  • 1998-1999: Commander, Hiram Formation (Northern Command)
  • 1995-1996: Battalion commander, IDF Officer's School
  • 1993-1994: Deputy commander, Hiram Formation
  • 1981-1994: Served various positions in Golani Brigade, up to battalion commander.

Zakai was reportedly close to Defense Minister and former Chief of Staff Shaul Mofaz, who promoted him to brigadier general before he attained a division command.

Zakai is a graduate of the IDF Staff College and has a degree in humanities from Tel Aviv University.

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