Ex-IDF Chief Gadi Eizenkot Reveals Netanyahu Opposed Appointment of First Openly Gay Major General

Former IDF Chief of Staff and current chairman of the Yisrael party, Gadi Eizenkot, disclosed at the "Sagi Laws for Equality in Life" conference that then-Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attempted to block the promotion of Sharon Afek, the former Military Advocate General, to the rank of major general. Eizenkot recounted that Netanyahu, whom he referred to as "the prime minister who was in the Bnei Akiva youth movement," expressed objections to Afek's appointment. Despite this, Eizenkot removed the opposition, and the official announcement of Afek’s promotion was made shortly thereafter.

Eizenkot emphasized that his appointments are based on merit without regard to personal characteristics, noting that he had appointed two outstanding individuals from the LGBTQ+ community purely for their qualifications. When asked if Afek’s appointment faced resistance, Eizenkot confirmed it did but said the objection was quickly dismissed. He praised Afek as an exceptional legal mind and commander, highlighting that the defense minister at the time, Avigdor Lieberman, supported the promotion.

Sharon Afek served as the Military Advocate General from 2015 and was promoted to major general in 2018, becoming the IDF's first openly gay major general. He completed his term in 2021 and was succeeded by Yifat Tomer-Yerushalmi. Eizenkot concluded by pledging to introduce equality laws for the LGBTQ+ community in the next government.