Former IDF Nahal Sergeant Major Ehud Banai Dies

Retired Master Sergeant Ehud Banai, who served for decades as the strict disciplinary authority at Camp 80 and the Nahal Brigade, has died. Banai became a symbol of military discipline in the IDF, led generations of soldiers, and later became a familiar figure in Israeli public life.

Banai enlisted in the IDF in 1968 and spent about 33 years as the top discipline officer at Camp 80 and in the Nahal Brigade. He was known for his sharply pressed uniform and his moustache, which became his trademark. Over the years, many soldiers passed under his command, including future senior security and political figures.

Among those who served under his supervision were former IDF chiefs of staff Benny Gantz, Herzi Halevi, and Moshe Ya'alon. He retired from permanent service in the early 2000s. His military status later helped make him a popular media personality.

Banai appeared on the docu-reality show "The Unit," where he commanded a group of celebrities, and also featured in commercial advertisements ahead of Independence Day, playing the sergeant major role humorously. After leaving the army, he remained active in civic and volunteer work, including police patrols during the Second Lebanon War and helping farmers evacuated from Gush Katif build new greenhouses.