FDD NAMES FORMER ISRAELI AIR FORCE COMMANDER AND DIRECTOR GENERAL OF DEFENSE MINISTRY AS SENIOR FELLOW

WASHINGTON, DC, August 10, 2023 — The Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD) has named Major General (Ret.) Amir Eshel, former director general of Israel’s Ministry of Defense, as a senior fellow. FDD is a nonpartisan research institute focusing on national security and foreign policy.

“General Eshel is a globally recognized expert and thought leader in the field of national defense who brings a wealth of experience in the Middle East. We are honored to have his insights as we focus on countering Iran’s malign influence in the region and across the world,” said FDD CEO Mark Dubowitz.

An accomplished fixed-wing and rotary-wing pilot and commander who served in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) for more than 40 years, Eshel served during the 1982 and 2006 Lebanon wars as well as the 2008-2009, 2012, and 2014 Gaza conflicts.

From 2020 to 2023, Amir served as the director general of the Israeli Ministry of Defense. He led defense procurement, research and development with Israel’s defense industries, and efforts to boost Israel’s defense exports. He also led dramatic reform, helping wounded in action to recover and rebuild their lives.

From 2012 to 2017, Amir served as commander in chief of the Israeli Air Force (IAF), integrating new systems, including the F-35 and David’s Sling for intercepting missiles, and leading the first campaign with direct command over other services. In 2017, he received the Department of Defense’s Legion of Merit award for his long-standing partnership with the U.S. Air Force.

From 2008 to 2012, Amir led the formulation of national security strategy for the Israeli government as head of the Planning Directorate in the Israeli General Staff. He oversaw sensitive interfaces with countries in the region and served as senior partner in interactions with the U.S. State Department,  Department of Defense, and National Security Council.

From 2006-2008, Amir served as chief of staff of the Israeli Air Force, responsible for strengthening the service after the second Lebanon War. In 2003, he led the IAF F-15 flight over Auschwitz.

“Amir will conduct critical research into the Iranian-led threat network as part of FDD’s study of the ‘War Between the Wars,’”said Dubowitz. “Amir will build on FDD’s expertise on Iran’s threat and policy options to address it. He brings deep experience and expertise in U.S.-Israel military cooperation to FDD, and we are privileged to have him on our team.”

Amir is a graduate of Israel’s National Defense College, with a B.A. from Auburn University in Alabama and an M.A. in Security and Policy Studies from Haifa University.

To contact FDD media relations, please email [email protected].

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FDD is a Washington, DC-based, nonpartisan research institute focusing on national security and foreign policy. Connect with FDD on Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube.

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Through FDD’s Center on Military and Political Power, Center on Economic and Financial Power, and Center on Cyber and Technology Innovation, FDD experts conduct in-depth research, produce accurate and timely analyses, and provide policy options with the aim of using all instruments of American power to strengthen U.S. national security. Each center comprises a team of FDD domain experts as well as a top-level board of advisors who provide strategic guidance, help lead initiatives, and promote research.