Avi Benayahu
{{Short description|Israeli general}}
{{pp-extended|small=yes}}
{{Infobox military person
| name = Avraham "Avi" Benayahu
| native_name = אברהם בניהו
| image = Avi Benayahu1.jpg
| alt =
| caption = Avi Benayahu
| birth_date = 1959
| birth_place = Tel Aviv, Israel
| allegiance = Israel
| branch = Israel Defense Forces
| serviceyears = 1977–2011
| rank = Brigadier general
| commands = IDF Spokesperson's Unit
| laterwork =
}}
Brigadier General Avraham "Avi" Benayahu ({{langx|he|אברהם בניהו}}; born 1959), is an Israeli public figure, former military officer, and journalist. He is known for his role as a former spokesperson for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and his involvement in various media and public relations projects.{{Cite web |title=avi benayahu |url=https://uscpublicdiplomacy.org/tags/avi-benayahu |access-date=2025-02-24 |website=USC Center on Public Diplomacy |language=en}}
Early life
Benayahu was born in Israel in the early 1960s. He grew up in a family that was closely connected to Israeli military and security services.
Career
Benayahu's career began in the Israel Defense Forces, where he served in various capacities, ultimately becoming the official spokesperson for the IDF.https://www.haaretz.com/2011-06-01/ty-article/head-to-head-outgoing-idf-spokesman-avi-benayahu-why-did-you-win-media-man-of-the-year/0000017f-e709-df5f-a17f-ffdf09770000 As spokesperson, he was responsible for managing the military's public image and overseeing media relations, particularly during times of conflict. His role included issuing statements, holding press conferences, and providing the Israeli military's perspective on various incidents. Benayahu's leadership in the IDF's public relations efforts was noted during several high-profile military operations.{{Cite web |title=Tourism Safety > Speaker |url=http://2018.itssjerusalem.com/Speaker.aspx?udt_7987_param_detail=10791 |access-date=2025-02-24 |website=2018.itssjerusalem.com}}{{Cite web |date=2023-10-12 |title=Former IDF spokesman: How did this massacre happen to mighty Israel - explainer |url=https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-768017 |access-date=2025-02-24 |website=The Jerusalem Post {{!}} JPost.com |language=en}}
Benayahu also worked in the media sector. He transitioned into journalism, serving as an editor, columnist, and media consultant.{{Cite web |title=Brigadier General Avraham "Avi" Benayahu |url=https://jewishmiami.org/news/extra/Brigadier_Avi_Benayahu_bio/ |access-date=2025-02-24 |website=Greater Miami Jewish Federation |language=en}}{{Cite news |last=Ynet |date=2011-03-01 |title=Benayahu: I entered UK with pseudonym |url=https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4036113,00.html |access-date=2025-02-24 |work=Ynetnews |language=en}} He contributed to various Israeli newspapers and magazines, offering insights into military affairs and public communication.https://www.haaretz.com/2010-07-23/ty-article/no-news-is-good-news/0000017f-e172-d568-ad7f-f37b81ee0000{{Cite web |last=Sheizaf |first=Noam |date=2015-07-21 |title='For the first time in history, Jews can take part in war from home' |url=https://www.972mag.com/for-the-first-time-in-history-jews-can-take-part-in-war-from-home/ |access-date=2025-02-24 |website=+972 Magazine |language=en-US}} He was often invited to provide expert commentary on security and military matters in the media.
Benayahu has also been involved in various initiatives aimed at improving communication between the Israeli military and the global public. His expertise in crisis communication and media strategy was utilized in several instances of international scrutiny of Israel's military operations.{{Cite web |date=2011-03-01 |title=IDF spokesperson: I traveled to UK under a false name |url=https://www.jpost.com/defense/idf-spokesperson-i-traveled-to-uk-under-a-false-name |access-date=2025-02-24 |website=The Jerusalem Post {{!}} JPost.com |language=en}}https://www.israelhayom.co.il/article/106579
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
- [https://web.archive.org/web/20080513152736/http://dover.idf.il/IDF/English/about/staff/Avi_Benayahu.htm CV of Avi Benayahu], in IDF site
{{IDF Spokesperson}}
{{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Benayahu, Avi}}
Category:Army Radio commanders
Category:Israel Defense Forces spokespersons
Category:University of Haifa alumni
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