Former IDF Intelligence Chief Aviezer Yaari Dies at 96

Aviezer Yaari, a retired Major General and former senior figure in the Israel Defense Forces Intelligence Corps, passed away on Monday at the age of 96. Yaari served Israel for over four decades, holding key intelligence positions including head of the Syria branch in the Research Division (1971-1975), Northern Command Intelligence Officer (1975-1977), and head of the Research Division in Military Intelligence (1978-1982). His final role before retiring was as commander of the National Security College from 1983 to 1986, an institution he himself graduated from.

Yaari was born in 1930 and enlisted in the IDF in 1948, joining the Golani Brigade. He is survived by three daughters. The current IDF Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, along with the General Staff Forum, commanders, and soldiers, expressed deep sorrow over his passing. Yaari will be laid to rest in a military ceremony on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, at 10:30 AM at the cemetery in Kibbutz Merhavia.

Throughout his career, Yaari dedicated himself to strengthening Israel’s security and intelligence capabilities, leaving a lasting legacy in the military and national security sectors.