Israeli Maj. Gen. (Res.) Shlomo 'Sami' Turjeman has joined The Washington Institute as a Visiting Mi

Former IDF commander of Southern Command analysis will focus on the multifaceted challenge posed by Hamas

Washington, D.C. – October 16) IDF Maj. Gen. (Res.) Shlomo "Sami" Turjeman has joined the Washington Institute for Near East Policy as a visiting military fellow, the Middle East policy research organization announced today. Maj. Gen. Turjeman, who served most recently as commander of the IDF Southern Command, will be with the Institute until June 2018.

"It's our privilege to welcome Maj. Gen. Sami Turjeman to the Institute," said Robert Satloff, Institute Executive Director and the Howard P. Berkowitz Chair in U.S. Middle East Policy. “As tensions rise with a new Hamas leadership in Gaza, we look forward to gaining from his insights on how the United States and Israel can together face instability in this critical arena."

"It's an honor to spend the next eight months at The Washington Institute," said Maj. Gen. Turjeman. "The Institute is renowned around the world for its in-depth analysis of Middle East issues and I hope to contribute to its body of work."

General Turjeman was drafted into the IDF Armored Corps in 1982. He led both the Sons of Light and Pillar of Fire Reserves formation. From 2005 to 2007, he was head of the Operations Brigade in the Operations Directorate during the Second Lebanon War. After the war, from 2007 to 2009, he commanded the 36th Armored Division in the Northern Command. He was commanding officer of IDF Army Headquarters from 2009-2013, and left to lead the IDF Southern Command, overseeing the last operation in the Gaza Strip during the Protective Edge campaign. He received his bachelor of arts degree in political science from Bar-Ilan University and a master of business administration degree from Tel Aviv University.

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.