Haim Laskov
Even before Israel's declaration of independence, Laskov took part in the activities of the Haganah underground. When Israel gained independence, he enlisted to the IDF, eventually serving three years as the Chief of General Staff (from 1958 to 1961). In the picture, taken in 1960, Laskov is seen planting a tree in a ceremony held at the Assaf Simchoni Forest in Nahal Oz.
Photograph: KKL-JNF photographers
Yitzhak Rabin
Took part in the activities of the Haganah and the Palmach, and commanded the Jerusalem region after Israel gained independence. In January 1964, he was appointed as the Chief of General Staff, a role he held for four years. Later, he was elected to the Israeli parliament, and of course, was also a prime minister. In the picture, taken in 1983, Rabin plants a tree in Jerusalem.
Photograph: Israel Sini
Rafael "Raful" Eitan
Eitan, born 1929, was a soldier at the Palmach patrol. Later he was appointed to a series of important roles at the IDF, before finally appointed as Chief of General Staff. In the picture, taken in 1999, he is seen planting a tree in Har Nof during the Tu BiShvat celebrations.
Photograph: Daniel Cohen
Amnon Lipkin-Shahak
The 15th Chief of General Staff in the IDF, who served in many prominent roles in the army prior to this appointment. During his combat service, he was decorated twice with the IDF Medal of Courage. In the picture, taken in 1999, Lipkin-Shahak is seen planting a tree in a forest in Jerusalem.
Photograph: Flash 90
Shaul Mofaz
Mofaz replaced Lipkin-Shahak as the Chief of General Staff, serving in the role for 4 years (1998-2002). During his tenure, the IDF retreated from south Lebanon, the second intifada broke out, and the IDF opened operation defensive shield. In the picture from 2014, shortly before his retirement from political life, he is seen planting a tree at the General Staff grove.
Photograph: Sason Tiram, KKL-JNF Photo Archive
Moshe Ya'alon
Ya'alon served for three years as the Chief of General Staff, after commanding many operations at the Paratroopers Brigade. Following his army service, Ya'alon started his political career, serving (among other roles) as Israel's Minister of Defense. In the picture, taken in 2014, he is seen planting a tree at the General Staff grove..
Photograph: Sason Tiram, KKL-JNF Photo Archive
Benjamin Gantz
Gantz joined the IDF in 1977, and later became 20th IDF Chief of General Staff. After commanding several operations, including Operation Strong Cliff, he turned to politics, becoming the Minister of Defense and serving as Deputy Prime Minister. In the picture, Gantz is seen planting a tree at the General Staff grove.
Photograph: KKL-JNF Photo Archive
Efrat Sini, Manager of the KKL-JNF Photo Archive: "the IDF Chiefs of General Staff, like many Israeli citizens, took part in holiday tradition by planting trees in Israel. The KKL-JNF Photo Archive is glad to share these rare pictures of former Chiefs of General Staff in celebration of the holiday. Since its foundation, about 120 years ago, the KKL-JNF photographer accompany Jewish communities in Israel and abroad. The documentary treasures are held at the KKL-JNF photo archive.