Chaim Laskov: The IDF Chief of Staff Who Professionalized Israel’s Armed Forces

Chaim Laskov is remembered as one of the IDF’s most disciplined, principled, and reform-focused Chiefs of Staff — a leader who believed that Israel’s survival required not only courage but uncompromising professionalism. As Israel’s 5th Chief of Staff, Laskov helped transform the young army into an organized, modern military force built for long-term stability.

Born in Barysaw, Belarus, in 1919, Laskov immigrated to Mandate Palestine as a child. Like many pioneers, he grew up amid tension, idealism, and the constant need for self-defense. He joined the Haganah as a young man and quickly distinguished himself with his sharp mind, sense of discipline, and unshakeable personal integrity. His early service included dangerous convoy defense missions — experiences that shaped his understanding of logistics, preparedness, and the importance of unified command.

During World War II, Laskov enlisted in the Jewish Brigade of the British Army, serving in Europe. This exposure to large-scale military systems profoundly influenced him, teaching the organizational and operational structures he would later bring back to the IDF. After the war, he played a key role in training Jewish fighters and preparing for the coming conflict.

In Israel’s War of Independence, Laskov commanded armored units and later helped establish the foundation of Israel’s armored corps. He rose through the ranks as a thoughtful, demanding commander who expected excellence and clarity from everyone under him. When he was appointed IDF Chief of Staff in 1958, Israel’s strategic challenges were shifting — from existential survival to building a long-term, structured military.

Laskov’s tenure emphasized:

  • Professional training and discipline

  • Modernization of the armored and air forces

  • Clearer command structures

  • Investment in military education and doctrine

He believed that an army cannot rely solely on improvisation or heroism — it must be built methodically, with systems that endure beyond individual commanders.

His period was not without controversy. A public dispute with Ariel Sharon over military authority became one of the IDF’s early internal tests. But even in conflict, Laskov remained a figure defined by integrity, insisting that institutional norms must be protected over personal ambition.

After retiring as Chief of Staff in 1961, Laskov continued serving the state in numerous roles, including director general of the Ministry of Transportation and head of the Ports Authority. His sense of order, discipline, and national responsibility shaped every office he held.

Chaim Laskov died in 1982, leaving behind a legacy often overshadowed by more dramatic figures — yet essential to Israel’s strength. He was the engineer of professionalism, a leader who ensured that the IDF could not only win wars but sustain itself as a modern, strategic, and disciplined military force.

His imprint still lives in the IDF’s command structures, officer corps, and culture of responsibility — the quiet architecture of a nation’s defense.