Makleff, Mordechai

(1920-78)

   Born in Palestine, he volunteered in the 1930s to serve in the Hagana. During World War II, he served in the British army in Orde Wingate's "Special Night Squadrons." Following the war, he left the British army with the rank of major. In the War of Independence in 1948, he took part in combat as a brigade commander along the northern front. He became commander of military intelligence and served as the deputy chief of staff in 1951—52. He served as chief of staff of the Israel Defense Forces in 1952-53. Following his retirement from the military, he became general manager of Israel's electric company, the Israel Chemicals Company, and held other public posts.