Head of SIBAT to Retire

Shmaya Avieli, the head of the Israeli Ministry of Defense's Foreign Aid Directorate, has decided to conclude his position. No decision has been made yet regarding his replacement

Head of SIBAT to Retire

Brig. Gen. (Res.) Shmaya Avieli

A surprising development: Brig. Gen. (Res.) Shmaya Avieli has decided to retire from his role as head of the Foreign Aid Directorate (SIBAT) at the Israeli Ministry of Defense.

Avieli informed the senior echelon of the Ministry of Defense regarding his decision, and a process will soon begin to select his replacement. Avieli holds one of the most significant roles within the Israeli Ministry of Defense, and one with the most influence on the Israeli defense industries. As head of the directorate, he was responsible for advancing Israel's defense exports.

Avieli came to the position from the Israeli Air Force, where he served as Commander of the Palmachim airbase prior to his retirement from military service. Records were broken in the field of Israel's defense exports during his term in SIBAT, and he led a program for special assistance to the exports of small and medium-sized companies. Avieli will remain in his office in the next few months, until a replacement has been selected.

Avieli spent the past week in Washington, where he has headed the Israeli pavilion at AUSA, most important annual defense expo in the US. Avieli said during the opening ceremony of the Israeli pavilion that "It is my hope that the emphasis on small and medium Israeli industries will prove fruitful for the industries. This is part of our comprehensive outlook."

Shmaya added that "the cooperation between Israel and  the US is very extensive. We are in the midst of a complex era. The budget cuts could also represent an opportunity, as US industries are seeking solutions, rather than developments."