Israeli Military to Have First Openly Gay Major General

The Israeli military will have its first openly gay major general, following the pending promotion — announced on Thursday — of Sharon Afek, who serves as the chief military advocate general.

The 47-year-old Afek — who currently holds the rank of brigadier general – was put up for the promotion by IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Gadi Eizenkot, and the recommendation was approved by Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman.

Afek was appointed to the chief military advocate general position in 2015.  He will continue in the role for another three years, with an option for a fourth.

In an interview last year, the Hebrew news site Walla reported, Afek said, “It’s important for me to serve as a role model…The IDF is the people’s army, and it embraces everyone who wants to contribute and develop in it, and I will be happy if many follow in my footsteps.”

Israel’s consul general in New York, Dani Dayan, hailed Afek’s promotion on Twitter:

Brig. General Sharon Afek – a person I cherish for many reasons – will be promoted to Major General thus becoming the first openly gay Major General in the IDF. pic.twitter.com/GIdqKDAUFA

— Dani Dayan (@AmbDaniDayan) May 3, 2018