Former IDF Chief of Staff and Lt. General. A graduate of the IAF combat flight school, Haloutz joined the force's first F-4 Phantom squadron in 1969. After receiving a BA in Economics from Tel Aviv University, Haloutz returned to the IDF.

Among the many highlights during his more than 37-year career as a fighter pilot, Haloutz carried out dozens of operational flights in wartime situations, trained to pilot the F-16 jet fighter, and commanded a Phantom squadron. After several air force promotions, Haloutz was named IAF Commander in 2000. In that capacity, he implemented a number of reforms including tightening cooperation with the ground forces and security services, expanding the use of UAV drones as an effective scouting and reconnaissance tool, and upgrading precision-strike capabilities in jet aircraft and helicopter gunships. In addition, he was instrumental in sharply reducing the number of accidents and aerial failures.

Following his IAF tenure, Haloutz was named IDF deputy chief of staff, and soon thereafter was appointed IDF Chief of Staff.