Former Israeli Defense Minister Moshe "Bogie" Yaalon to Join Washington Institute as Visiting Fellow

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Former Israeli Defense Minister Moshe "Bogie" Yaalon will join The Washington Institute in late August as the Rosenblatt Distinguished Visiting Fellow, the research organization announced today. During his time in Washington, Minister Yaalon will focus his writing and speaking on Israeli foreign and defense policy and the U.S.-Israel strategic relationship.

"After more than four decades of military and public service, in and out of uniform, Bogie Yaalon has unparalleled insights into the challenges and opportunities facing Israeli national security," said Institute Executive Director Robert Satloff. "At a moment when Americans are debating the appropriate role for our country in the Middle East, we are pleased to welcome him back to The Washington Institute to provide an authoritative voice on these critical issues."

In the Israel Defense Forces, Minister Yaalon had a distinguished 37-year career, rising through the ranks to serve as leader of the Sayeret Matkal commando unit, the Paratroopers Brigade, Military Intelligence, and Central Command, and capping his service as the IDF's seventeenth chief of general staff. After a post-military service fellowship at The Washington Institute, he returned to Israel, joined the Likud, and entered the Knesset — and the Cabinet — in 2009. Since then, he has served as minister of strategic affairs and then as minister of defense; throughout his time in the government, he also served as vice prime minister.

"Given the importance of the U.S.-Israel partnership to Israel's national security, I am eager to spend time with the scholars and experts of The Washington Institute, meet with current and emerging leaders in the Washington policy community, and discuss the vital issues on our bilateral agenda," said Minister Yaalon.

The Institute's Rosenblatt Distinguished Visiting Fellowship recognizes the generosity of Institute Trustees Lief and Johanna Rosenblatt of New York.

About the Washington Institute: The Washington Institute is an independent, nonpartisan research institution funded exclusively by U.S. citizens that seeks to advance a balanced and realistic understanding of American interests in the Middle East and to promote the policies that secure them. Drawing on the research of its fellows and the experience of its policy practitioners, the Institute promotes informed debate and scholarly research on U.S. policy in the region.

Media Contact: Ian Byrne, 202-452-0650, email.