Former defense minister Ya'alon joins INSS
Ya'alon to serve as senior research associate at Institute for National Security Studies during his time away from politics; 'The institute and its researchers have given us, the decision-makers, important viewpoints and significant tools as we were leading security or diplomatic moves,' he says.
Ya'alon, who also served as the IDF chief of staff under former Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, recently resigned from his position in the government, citing loss of trust in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
At the INSS, he will serve as a senior research associate and lead strategic studies dealing with Israeli policies in the post-Iran nuclear deal era. He will also lead studies on Israeli policies in relation to other regional threats, particularly those coming from Syria and Lebanon.
The Chairman of the INSS Board of Directors, Frank Lowy, and INSS Director Maj.-Gen. (res.) Amos Yadlin, welcomed Ya'alon into the fold.
"The Institute for National Security Studies, as the leading Israeli strategic think-tank with international recognition, is receiving a substantial boost with the addition of former defense minister Ya'alon," he said.
"His rich experience will greatly contribute to the quality of the institute's research in light of threats and challenges Israel is facing, both diplomatic and security. Ya'alon's addition is another step towards strengthening the institute's ability to fulfill its objective—presenting the public and the decision-makers with a professional, innovative position on the important issues on the political and security agenda in Israel."
Yadlin said Ya'alon will be part of the institute's team during his hiatus from politics, and that the agreement with him will expire when he decides to return to political activity.
"I'm happy to join the Institute for National Security Studies and serve as a senior research associate during my hiatus," Ya'alon said.
"The institute’s importance is great, especially at a time in which we are required to ask ourselves, every day, what has changed in the tumultuous Middle East," he added. "The institute is considered leading in its field not just in Israel but also throughout the world. The institute and its researchers have given us, the decision-makers, important viewpoints and significant tools as we were leading security or diplomatic moves."
