// Workers AI · dad joke modeIs Dedi Simchi a chef? Simchi to the recipe.
Dedi Simchi | |
|---|---|
_(cropped).jpg) Simchi in 2018 | |
| Native name | דדי שמחי |
| Born | 25 March 1965 Hodiya, Israel |
| Allegiance |  Israel |
Branch |  Israel Defense Forces Israel Fire and Rescue Services |
Service years | 1983–2016 (IDF) 2017–2022 (Fire and Rescue) |
Rank |  Brigadier general |
Conflicts | |
| Education | Bar-Ilan University (BA, MBA) |
Dedi Simchi[1] (Hebrew: דדי שמחי), also transliterated as Dedi Simhi,[2] is an Israeli military officer with the rank of Brigadier General in the Israel Defense Forces. He also served in the Israel Fire and Rescue Services and in Home Front Command.
Early life
Dedi Simchi was born in Hodiya to Shalom and Nurit, who are of Yemeni Jewish descent. He studied at Mae Boyar High School in Jerusalem, and served as chairman of the student council.[3] Simchi holds a bachelor's degree in economics and political science and a master of business administration from Bar-Ilan University.
Career
Israel Defense Forces
In 1983, Simchi enlisted in the Israel Defense Forces and served for five years in the Golani Brigade. In 1992, he was appointed as deputy battalion commander in the Nahal Brigade. During the Western Wall Tunnel riots in 1996, Simchi was deputy commander of the Haruv Battalion in the Kfir Brigade, then became battalion commander that same year. After being promoted to lieutenant colonel, Simchi served as the commander of the Arava Brigade,[4] then the Southern District of Home Front Command.[5] In 2008, he was appointed as commander of Bahad 16. During Operation Cast Lead, he was commander of the Sderot region and the Gaza Envelope.[6] After the 2010 Haiti earthquake, Simchi was a member of the Israeli rescue and medical team.[7] In 2013, Simchi was promoted to the rank of brigadier general and appointed as the chief of staff of Home Front Command, a position that he stayed in until August 2016.[8]
Fire and Rescue Services
In February 2017, minister of public security Gilad Erdan appointed Simchi to be the next Fire and Rescue Commissioner.[9] During his tenure, Simchi had a series of conflicts with workers organizations in the fire department, in part because of claims from the Histadrut that Simchi harassed workers' representatives.[10] On 3 March 2022, Simchi completed his duties and retired from service.[11]
Politics
In May 2026, Simchi announced his intention to enter Israeli politics in an effort to "fix the political culture", and is "examining all the options" to "choose the best one".[2][1]
In late June, Simchi is reportedly expected to announce a joint run with Blue and White, where the party's election polling has remained at or below the electoral threshold.[12]
Personal life
Simchi lives in Gedera with his wife Orit and their three children. His son Guy died during the Battle of Re'im while he was serving in the 35th Paratroopers Brigade.[13]
References
- 1 2 "'All options are relevant': Dedi Simchi aims to influence political arena from within - 103FM". Jerusalem Post. 13 May 2026.
- 1 2 "Former fire chief Dedi Simhi enters politics, says he has yet to choose party". Times of Israel. 9 May 2026.
- ↑ "בויאר: הסיפורים הקטנים מאחורי המוסד הגדול" [Boyar: The little stories behind the big institution] (in Hebrew). Mynet Jerusalem. Archived from the original on 26 March 2018.
- ↑ "כוננות פיגועים גם בגזרת הערבה" [Terrorist attacks also on alert in the Arava region]. Israel National News. 30 December 2002.
- ↑ "צה"ל נערך לפגיעה במפעלים כימיים באשקלון" [The IDF is preparing to strike chemical plants in Ashkelon]. Channel 10. 10 March 2008. Archived from the original on 3 March 2016.
- ↑ "החשש: טילים יפגעו בראשון לציון" [The fear: missiles will hit Rishon LeZion]. Makor Rishon. 5 January 2009.
- ↑ "שישה ימים בהריסות: הישראלים חילצו אשה" [Six days in the rubble: Israelis rescued a woman] (in Hebrew). Ynet. 19 January 2010.
- ↑ "מטה אשר: אלוף הפיקוד נזף בסגן ראש המועצה" [Asher Headquarters: The commander reprimanded the deputy head of the council]. Mynet.
- ↑ "אחרי תשעה חודשים: מונה נציב כבאות והצלה קבוע" [After nine months: Permanent Fire and Rescue Commissioner appointed]. Ynet. 17 February 2017.
- ↑ ""נציב הכבאות על ראשי הוועד: "אני א***ן אותם, אכניס אותם לכלא, הם עבריינים, הם מושחתים" [Fire Commissioner on the committee leaders: "I'll f*** them, I'll put them in jail, they're criminals, they're corrupt"]. Davar. 22 December 2021.
- ↑ "בתום 5 שנים מוצלחות: דדי שמחי יסיים את תפקידו כנציב כבאות והצלה" [After 5 successful years: Dedi Simchi will end his role as Fire and Rescue Commissioner]. Walla. 20 October 2021.
- ↑ Sokol, Sam (23 June 2026). "Dedy Simhi reportedly set to join Gantz's Blue and White party". Times of Israel.
- ↑ "חנק בידיים חשופות": גיא שמחי נלחם במחבלים והציל 30 מחבריו" [Strangled with bare hands": Guy Simchi fought terrorists and saved 30 of his friends]. Mako. 28 June 2024.