Ori Orr

Ori Orr (; born 22 April 1939) is an Israeli retired general and politician. During his service with the Israel Defense Forces, he headed the Central and Northern Commands. He later served as a member of the Knesset for the Labor Party between 1992 and 1999. During his tenure, he chaired the Foreign Affairs and Defence Committee (1992-1995) and served as Deputy Minister of Defence (1995-1996).

Early life Orr was born in Kfar Haim, Mandatory Palestine, in 1939. He was awarded a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science & History from Tel Aviv University. which advanced through the northern shore of the Sinai Peninsula. In the War of Attrition, he commanded an armored battalion in the Sinai and the Jordan Valley. He was promoted to lieutenant colonel in August 1973, becoming the commander of the newly formed 679th (reserve) Armored Brigade, which he led during the Yom Kippur War. His Centurion-equipped unit played a significant role in stemming the Syrian attack in the Golan Heights. One of the first reserve units to arrive, it helped save the Israeli headquarters at Nafakh from being overrun. Northern Front commander General Yitzhak Hofi later stated, "Ori saved us today." He was considered as a potential replacement for outgoing Chief of Staff Moshe Levy, and for the role of Deputy Chief of Staff. But was appointed to neither role and retired from the army in 1987. He was formally discharged in 1988.

Political and business career He served as the Director General of the Jewish National Fund from 1988 until 1992.

Orr joined the Labor Party in 1988, heading the party's campaign with young voters during the 1988 election. After the election, in January 1989, Orr was considered for the Chairmanship of the Israel Land Administration, but was not selected. Orr helped organize primary elections for the party's electoral list in the 1992 election. He was subsequently elected to the Knesset, serving as chairperson of the Foreign Affairs and Defence Committee until 1995. Orr was not included on One Israel's electoral list in the 1999 election on procedural grounds, losing his seat as a result.

In August 1999, Orr was appointed by Barak to serve as Chairman of the Board of Israel Aerospace Industries. He served in the role until 2005. In 2005, he headed a committee that reviewed government funding for the security of Jewish Enclaves in East Jerusalem. Orr currently serves as Chairman of the Board of the Council for Conservation of Heritage Sites in Israel.

Orr is the author of two biographical books: Follow Me (1994) (Hebrew: אחרי), and These are My Brothers (2003) (Hebrew: אלה האחים שלי).

Political views In 1988, Orr spoke in favor of a negotiated Two-state solution with the Palestine Liberation Organization. In 1993, he opposed a return to the 1967 borders through negotiations wih the Palestinian Authority and Syrian Government, stating an agreement could not include a partition of Jerusalem or the evacuation of all settlements.

Personal life He is married and has three children.