History will be made next summer when Maj.-Gen. N., who happens to be a female, will be appointed as military attaché to President Isaac Herzog.
The president has made it known that he wanted to appoint a woman to the post, and the defense establishment, in coordination with Defense Minister Benny Gantz and IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Aviv Kohavi, acceded to his request.
N., 40, a resident of central Israel, will be the first woman to serve as a military attaché to the president of Israel. On assuming her position, she will be promoted to the rank of brigadier-general.
She will succeed Brig.-Gen. Alaa Abu-Rukun, who has served in the role for the past three years.
N., who is Central Command’s chief intelligence officer, has served in the IDF for 22 years and has held various field and administrative commands. She is married with two children and holds degrees in Middle East history.
In congratulating N., Herzog said she would be a welcome addition to his team of advisers, and that her professional and personal talents will bring tremendous value to the institution of the Presidency, the IDF and the State of Israel.
“The glass ceiling is being smashed every day in Israel, and I am proud that during my presidency, another glass ceiling is being smashed by a worthy and promising officer,” he said.
Herzog thanked Abu-Rukun for his devoted service at the President’s Residence and for his significant contribution to the IDF and the State of Israel.