Zohar Palti served with distinction at the highest reaches of Israel’s national security establishment, including as director of policy and the Political-Military Bureau at Israel’s Ministry of Defense, where he was responsible for Israel’s defense and security relationships with key allies and other foreign countries. Prior to that, he led the Mossad Intelligence Directorate and was the agency’s counterterrorism chief. His distinguished career spanned twenty-five years in the IDF Intelligence Directorate, including as the Deputy Head of the Research & Analysis Division.
ELNET's Forum of Strategic Dialogue
The Forum of Strategic Dialogues organizes and facilitates high-level strategic dialogues between Europe and Israel, focusing on the major geopolitical issues facing the parties and Israeli European relations. The FSD provides a unique platform for “Track 1.5” dialogues held off the record, involving governmental and non-governmental participants in brainstorming sessions that go beyond the constraints of formal bilateral exchanges. Mr. Palti brings a wealth of experience, knowledge, and leadership to the established forum.
David F. Siegel, President of ELNET-US, noted:
“Zohar Palti’s extensive experience and deep understanding of international security dynamics will significantly enhance our efforts to strengthen Israel’s strategic partnerships in Europe. His guidance will be instrumental in advancing our mission and briefing our leadership about the burgeoning defense and security ties needed for the future.”
Commenting on his global expertise, Pascaline Wagemans, Director of FSD stated:
“Zohar Palti has proven his outstanding ability to advance strategic relations between the U.S. and Israel, and with his new role at ELNET will make an invaluable contribution to relations between Europe and Israel.”
Dr. Emmanuel Navon, CEO of ELNET-Israel added:
“Zohar Palti has played a critical role in building strong military and strategic relations between Israel and leading world powers. His expertise in national security, his understanding of international relations, and his high-ranking ties in Europe and elsewhere are an invaluable asset for ELNET.”
Throughout his career, Mr. Palti was awarded various citations and honors from the Israeli and U.S. Intelligence communities. Upon his retirement, he was honored with the U.S. Department of Defense Medal for Distinguished Public Service, “for his major contribution to bolstering U.S.-Israel strategic defense relations.” Mr. Palti holds a BA and Executive MA in Middle Eastern studies with distinction from Tel Aviv University and is a graduate of the U.S. National Defense University‘s advanced management program. He is the Andrew Viterbi Fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, a member of the Advisory Board of United Against Nuclear Iran, and was a Reccanati-Kaplan senior fellow at Harvard’s Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs.