Netanyahu Appoints Reserve Colonel Ophir Levi as Deputy Head of National Security Council

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has approved the appointment of Reserve Colonel Ophir Levi as the new deputy head of Israel's National Security Council (NSC). The decision, made on Sunday, follows a recommendation from the NSC head, Shmuel Ben Ezra, and Levi will replace Gil Reich, who recently completed his term. The appointment is set for five years, with the possibility of extension up to a maximum of ten years.

Levi, 51, is a former armored corps officer with extensive military and security experience. During his service, he held senior positions including head of armored corps doctrine, commander of reserve brigade 679, and deputy commander of the Golan regional division 210. After leaving the military, he worked as a border defense consultant for Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and served on the board of directors for Anavi - Golan Heights Wineries Ltd. His professional background in security and technology makes him a suitable candidate for this sensitive NSC role.

Academically, Levi holds a bachelor's degree in behavioral sciences with a focus on organizational consulting from Ariel University and a master's degree in political science from the University of Haifa. He also completed senior director courses at the Jordan Valley College and financial report analysis at the Israeli Management College.

This appointment is part of a broader reshuffle within the NSC, following several recent senior changes, including Netanyahu's dismissal of former NSC head Tzachi Hanegbi last October and the subsequent appointment of Shmuel Ben Ezra. Despite a legal opinion noting significant challenges due to insufficient female representation in the appointment process, the appointments committee and legal advisor found no legal barrier to approving Levi's nomination.

Levi's appointment aligns with Netanyahu's recent strategy of placing external candidates in key security roles, similar to moves made in the Mossad and Shin Bet agencies.