Government Approves Ofir Levy as Deputy NSC Chief

The government on July 5 approved reserve Col. Ofir Levy as deputy head of the National Security Council after the weekly cabinet meeting. Levy replaces Gil Reich, who left for the Defense Ministry security directorate, and the appointment is for five years with possible extensions up to ten. Levy brings a command background in the Armored Corps, including the Bashan Division, Yiftach Brigade, 679th Reserve Brigade and Armored Corps doctrine, plus border-defense work with Rafael. Legal reviews noted a significant representation-of-women procedure difficulty and political-link questions, but found no legal bar. Israel needs a staffed, operationally grounded NSC while managing multi-front threats.