Yariv, Aharon — Head of IDF Military Intelligence

יריב - אהרן

Aharon Yariv (1920–1994) — IDF general and minister

Aharon Yariv was an Israeli general who served as head of IDF Military Intelligence from 1964 to 1972, including during the Six-Day War, and afterward as an adviser on security matters and a government minister. He later headed the Jaffee Center for Strategic Studies at Tel Aviv University.

What the letters show

These letters concern Israel's security and policy; they present the Rebbe's own position.

Security and borders. The Rebbe corresponded with Yariv on national security, especially the Suez Canal front after the Six-Day War. He stressed that defensible borders are crucial for security and stability, while artificial lines invite conflict (IK 9915); urged decisive action rather than prolonged indecision (IK 9945); held that critical security decisions should be made by qualified military experts rather than by political considerations (IK 9978); and called for honest assessment rather than self-deception regarding partial agreements (IK 10200).

Blessings and faith. The Rebbe blessed him for success in his great responsibility for Israel's security (IK 9756, 9844), wrote that true freedom encompasses both body and soul and that leaders should use their influence for the communal good (IK 9882), and that the miracles of Chanukah are especially relevant today, in holding fast to faith and Torah despite outside pressures (IK 10039).

Sources: Wikipedia ("Aharon Yariv"); and the Rebbe's letters cited above.

Shiurim in this topic

9756. Blessings for the New Year and Success in Responsible Role ברכות לשנה החדשה והצלחה בתפקיד אחראי

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9844. Blessings for Success in Civil Life and Defense of Eretz Yisrael ברכות להצלחה בחיים האזרחיים ובהגנה על ארץ ישראל

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9882. Pesach Blessings, True Freedom, and the Importance of Responsible Leadership ברכות פסח, חירות אמיתית, וחשיבות הנהגה אחראית

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9915. Boundaries, Security, and Strategic Approaches to the Suez Canal Issue גבולות, בטחון, וגישות אסטרטגיות לבעיית תעלת סואץ

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9945. Strategic Decisions on the Suez Canal and the Importance of Decisive Action החלטות אסטרטגיות על תעלת סואץ וחשיבות פעולה החלטית

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9978. Security Decisions, Democratic Process, and Blessings for the New Year החלטות בטחוניות, תהליך דמוקרטי, וברכות לשנה החדשה

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10039. Hanukkah, Miracles, and Jewish Strength in Challenging Times חנוכה, ניסים, וכוח יהודי בזמנים מאתגרים

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10200. Partial Agreements, Military Strategy, and Honest Assessment of Israel's Situation הסדרים חלקיים, אסטרטגיה צבאית, והערכה כנה של מצב ישראל

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