Aviv Kochavi

Former IDF Chief says Gaza wasn't seen as an existential threat; Iran was top priority

Former Israeli Chief of Staff Aviv Kohavi discussed the implications of military decisions and strategic focus shaping Israel's recent security policies.

 IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Aviv Kochavi
 Incoming IDF Deputy Chief of Staff Amir Baram gives remarks at his inauguration ceremony, October 31, 2022.

IDF General Amir Baram assumes Deputy Chief of Staff position

 IDF conducts large-scale exercise to prepare for next round of conflict with Gaza

Senior IDF officer pens scathing report against the Israeli military

 MINISTERS ARE certain he is running for political office. IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Aviv Kohavi at the Rabin memorial this week.

Kohavi is right to reject court compromise to allow Franken to remain in IDF - editorial


IDF closes investigation into controversial training injury from 2018

The case involved the injury of Ili Hayut, 22, then a Corporal in in the IDF’s elite Maglan reconnaissance unit, who was ordered to jump from a moving Hummer during a training exercise.

The IDF's Maglan Unit

Guterres calls for Hezbollah disarmament, UNIFIL tunnel access

“No progress was achieved with respect to the disarmament of armed groups. Hezbollah continued to acknowledge publicly that it maintains military capabilities,” Guterres said.

IDF CHIEF of Staff Lt.-Gen. Aviv Kochavi. Israel can criticize the Americans for returning to the Iran deal, as Kochavi illustrated during a speech last month.

Rivlin heads for diplomatic trip to Europe, warning of Iranian danger

Ashkenazi flies to Moscow after Lavrov-Hezbollah meeting

Israeli President Reuven Rivlin meets with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, Berlin, Germany, March 16, 2021

IDF chief Kochavi to lobby European leaders against Iran deal, Hezbollah

IDF senior sources said that Kochavi intends to discuss with the European leaders security-related issues with an emphasis on Iran, Lebanon and ICC probe.

IDF Chief of Staff Aviv Kochavi speaks at the officers graduation ceremony, July 1st, 2020

Iran behind attack on Israeli-owned ship, Kochavi confirms

The IDF chief said that "the State of Israel is constantly dealing with multiple threats. All of our fronts are active, and all these fronts require updated, real-time intelligence."

IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Aviv Kochavi saluting at a commander-changing ceremony of the 8200 intelligence unit.

Iran calls on UN to respond to alleged Israeli threats - report

In a letter addressed to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Iran's representative to the UN noted a recent speech given by IDF Chief of Staff Aviv Kochavi.

Majid Takht Ravanchi (L) with Mohammad Javad Zarif (R), Iran's Foreign Minister, in 2015

Government, IDF working on budget for potential Iran strike plan - report

On Wednesday, the security cabinet is set to meet to discuss tensions with Tehran, including concerns that the US could return to the JCPOA nuclear deal.

AN IAF pilot poses proudly next to an F-35

IDF chief's Iran remarks do not signal war - analysis

Kochavi's message was more directed at Tehran than Washington.

IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Aviv Kochavi at a graduation ceremony of naval officers at the Haifa naval base in March

Kochavi meets with UNIFIL commander

The IDF considers UNIFIL to be an important and significant factor in maintaining regional stability.

IDF Chief of Staff Aviv Kochavi [L] and UNIFIL Major General Stefano Del Col [R]

Gantz thanks CENTCOM chief for Israel’s move to CENTCOM

Gantz told McKenzie that now, as part of CENTCOM, Israel can deepen cooperation with new regional partners and broaden operative horizons even further.

From R to L: Defense Minister Benny Gantz, Commander of the United States Central Command, General Kenneth F. McKenzie, Jr. and IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Aviv Kochavi in Tel Aviv, January 29, 2021.