Defense Minister Israel Katz taps retired Police Commissioner Yoram Halevy as the new COGAT, granting him Major General rank in a rare cross-force appointment.
In a highly irregular decision, Defense Minister Israel Katz and IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir have appointed retired Police Commissioner Yoram Halevy as the new Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) — the powerful post that oversees Israel’s civil and security interface with the Palestinians.
The move breaks from tradition, as COGAT is usually filled by serving IDF generals. Halevy will be awarded the rank of Major General to assume the role.
Halevy, a veteran of Israel’s toughest security arenas, has held senior policing commands, including:
- Commander of Yamam (Israel’s elite counter-terror unit)
- Head of Lahav 433 (Israel’s version of the FBI)
- Commander of the Border Police Southern District
- Commander of the Jerusalem District Police
In announcing the appointment, Katz hailed Halevy’s “extensive experience in the security and Palestinian fields”, calling him the most suitable candidate to meet today’s challenges.
Halevy’s appointment also carries a deeply personal note: his son, Chief Inspector Yitev Lev Halevy, a Yamam officer, was killed in action during the ongoing “Swords of Iron” war.
The Defense Minister praised Halevy’s reputation and expertise:
“Yoram Halevy is deeply familiar with Judea, Samaria, and the Palestinian issue. He has commanded at the highest levels with distinction, and I am convinced he will excel in this critical mission.”
With the West Bank heating up and Gaza still in conflict, the choice of a police strongman to lead COGAT signals Israel’s intent to adopt a more hardline, security-driven approach in managing Palestinian affairs.
