Eliezer Shkedy

(1957 - )

Major General (ret.) Elyizer Shkedy is a former commander of the Israeli Air Force and current CEO of El-Al.

Shkedy (born August 16, 1957) was born in Israel. He graduated high school in Kfar-Saba. Shkedy graduated Ben-Gurion University with distinction (B.Sc. in mathematics and computer science). He also holds M.A degree (in system management) from the NPS (Naval Postgraduate School in Montrey), CA, U.S. which he finished with distinction as well.

In 1975, he joined the IDF and volunteered for the flight academy. Two years later he graduated the course with honors, as a fighter pilot. After completing the Operational Training Course he served as a Sky-Hawk pilot for a year. Later on he completed a transition course for the Mirage aircraft and served at the Eitam air force base in Sinai.

In 1980, Shkedy participated in the first F-16 transition course which took place in Israel. He was posted in “the first jet squadron” in Ramat David air force base. In 1981, Shkedy was assigned to Hazerim air force base and served as an instructor and commander of the fighter advanced stage. During the “Peace for the Galilee” operation in 1982, Shkedy shot down two enemy aircraft.

In 1986, Shkedy was assigned as Deputy Commander of a Sky-Hawk squadron in Nevatim air force base in the south of Israel. In 1987, Shkedy was part of the establishment team of the first F-16D (two place aircraft) fighter squadron in the IAF. He later on became the Deputy Squadron Commander in Hazor air force base.

In 1989, Shkedy was appointed to commander of the combat stream in the Flight Academy in Hazerim and was promoted to lieutenant colonel.

In 1991, the was the head of the establishment team of the “Valley squadron” as an F-16D squadron in Ramat David air force base, and served as the commander of the squadron. In 1993, Shkedy was appointed to Head of Combat Branch in Operations Department in the HQ. A year later in 1994, he was promoted to Colonel and assumed the position of Head of Operations Department. Upon the completion of this role, the was sent to M.A studies in the U.S.

In 1998, Shkedy was appointed Commander of Ramat David air force base and two years later he was promoted to Brigadier Gen. and assumed the role of Head of Air Directorate.

In February 2002, Shkedy was assigned as IAF Chief of Staff. On April 4, 2004, Shkedy was appointed the commander of the IAF and was promoted to Major General. He completed his service in May 2008 when Ido Nechustan replaced him as commander of the Air Force.

Shkedy is married to Doctor Anat Shkedy and they have a daughter and two sons.

Sources: Israeli Air Force; Wikipedia