Saar Salame

David Saar Salama (; Born March 4, 1969) is an Israeli Vice Admiral (Aluf) who served as the Commander of the Israeli Navy from 2021 to 2026.

Previously he served as chief of the navy staff, deputy commander of the Depth Corps, commander of the Haifa naval base and more.

Early life Salama was born and grew up in Atlit. He began his studies at the military boarding school for command in Haifa, and after being expelled at the end of the 10th grade, he continued his studies at the Reali School in Haifa.

Military service He enlisted in the IDF in 1987, and volunteered for Shayetet 13. during his time as the commander of the base he led the fighting in the Gaza Strip while cooperating with the Southern Command. He served in this position until August 2011. In 2011-2013 he served as the commander of the missile boats flotilla. afterwards he went to study in the National Security College.

On the 7th of August 2014 he was promoted to the rank of Rear Admiral (Tat Aluf) and was appointed commander of the Haifa naval base, a position in which he served until the 16th of August 2017. In the years 2017-2019 he has served as the commander of the Depth Corps. On the 15th of March 2019 he was appointed chief of the Navy's staff, a position in which he served until August 2021.

Spain's highest criminal court, the Audiencia Nacional, opened preliminary proceedings against Israeli political and military officials including Salama over the Israeli navy's assault on the Freedom Flotilla's Gaza-bound aid ship 'Madleen'.

In the UK, the Hind Rajab Foundation filed criminal complaints with the UK Metropolitan Police War Crimes Unit regarding the Israeli military assault on the British-flagged humanitarian vessel Handala in international waters on the night of 26–27 July 2025.

The INF use of lethal force against fishers without warning, and destruction of fishing infrastructure, under Salama, have been characterised as grave violations of international human rights law. The UN has pointed out that International humanitarian law explicitly prohibits the use of starvation of civilians as a method of warfare.

On 16 April 2026, Eyal Harel took command of the Israeli Navy from Salama during a ceremony at the Atlit naval base.

Awards and decorations Salama was awarded three campaign ribbons for his service during three wars.

Second Lebanon WarSouth Lebanon Security ZoneOperation Protective Edge

Personal life Salama is married to Daphne and has three children.