Militaryאיתמר בן חיים

Itamar Ben Haim

Itamar Ben Haim is an IDF officer with the rank of brigadier general who commanded the Edom Formation.

born 1978Commanding the Edom FormationCommanding the Refaim unitCommanding the Judea Brigade

Born: 15 July 1978, Neve Dekalim
Occupation: military officer
Education: Yeshivat HaHesder Yerucham, Ono Academic College, University of Haifa
Rank: aluf mishne
Wars: South Lebanon conflict

Itamar Ben Haim was born in 1978 in Neve Dekalim

Itamar Ben Haim was born on July 15, 1978, and grew up in Neve Dekalim in Gush Katif. He studied at the Yeruham hesder yeshiva.

He joined the IDF in 1998, volunteered for the Paratroopers and served in Battalion 202. He rose through platoon and company command, then led a team in the Maglan unit. He was deputy commander of Battalion 101 in 2008 to 2009, including during Operation Cast Lead.

In 2011 he became a lieutenant colonel and commander of Battalion 202. He later commanded the Paratroopers training base, the Negev Brigade, the Judea Brigade and the Refaim unit. In 2023 he was promoted to brigadier general and commanded the Edom Formation until July 2025.

He holds a bachelor's degree in business administration from Ono Academic College and a master's degree in social sciences from the University of Haifa. He is a graduate of the National Security College. He lives in Modiin, is married to Hani and has 3 children.

Itamar Ben Haim's life in 8 milestones

1978
Born in Neve Dekalim.
1998
Joined the IDF and the Paratroopers.
2011
Became commander of Battalion 202.
2013
Became commander of the Paratroopers training base.
2016
Promoted to colonel and named Negev Brigade commander.
2018
Became commander of the Judea Brigade.
2021
Became commander of the Refaim unit.
2023
Promoted to brigadier general and named Edom Formation commander.

Itamar Ben Haim served in Maglan

He served in the Paratroopers from 1998, led a team in Maglan and fought in Operation Cast Lead. He commanded Battalion 202, the Negev and Judea brigades, the Refaim unit and the Edom Formation, reaching the rank of brigadier general.

Maglan