Gilad Erdan's Diverse Career Marked by Political Roles and Diplomatic Posts
Translated & summarized from Srugim by baba
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Gilad Erdan celebrates his 56th birthday, reflecting on a diverse career.
- He served as Israel's Ambassador to the UN and concurrently to the US.
- Erdan held multiple ministerial portfolios in Israeli governments.
- He began his career in law and served as an IDF officer.
- He was elected to the Knesset for 17 years.
- Erdan is now President of Magen David Adom International.
Gilad Erdan is celebrating his 56th birthday on September 30th, marking over two decades in public service that have spanned the Knesset, government ministries, and diplomatic missions in New York and Washington.
Before entering politics, Erdan studied law at Bar-Ilan University, interned at the office of attorney Dov Weissglass, and was admitted to the bar in 1996. He later earned a master's degree in political science from Tel Aviv University with honors. He served in the IDF as an officer in the Manpower Corps, retiring with the rank of captain. Erdan spent his youth in Ashkelon and attended the Nativ Meir Yeshiva High School in Jerusalem.
His political career began behind the scenes, working as a political aide to then-Member of Knesset Ariel Sharon. He later served as an advisor to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and headed the Public Inquiries Department in his office, also chairing the Likud youth wing. Erdan's initial bid for the Knesset in the Likud primaries for the 15th Knesset was unsuccessful, but he was elected in the 16th Knesset and served for approximately 17 years, from February 2003 to July 2020.
Early in his parliamentary career, Erdan was a prominent advocate for road safety, leading the lobby on the issue and promoting legislation such as the bicycle helmet law. He held numerous ministerial positions, including Minister of Environmental Protection, Minister of Communications, Minister of Home Front Defense, Minister of the Interior, Minister of Public Security, Minister of Strategic Affairs and Public Diplomacy, and Minister for Regional Cooperation.
In July 2020, Erdan became Israel's Ambassador to the United Nations, and in January 2021, he concurrently took on the role of Ambassador to the United States. He concluded his tenure in Washington in November 2021, while continuing as UN Ambassador until August 2024. During his time at the UN, he was elected Vice President of the UN General Assembly in June 2022. Following his ambassadorship, Erdan was appointed President of Magen David Adom International in September 2024. He also served on the board of Israel Aerospace Industries until June 2026.
Outside of his extensive public service, Erdan is married to Shlomit Shor, a former spokesperson for the Bat Yam municipality, and they are parents to four children.
Read the original at Srugim