MAKLEFF, MORDECHAI

(1920-78)

Born inPalestine, he volunteered in the 1930s to serve in theHagana. During World War II, he served in the British army inOrdeWingate's "Special Night Squadrons." Following the war, he left the British army with the rank of major. In theWar of Independencein 1948, he took part in combat as a brigade commander along the northern front. He became commander of militaryintelligenceand served as the deputy chief of staff in 1951—52. He served as chief of staff of theIsrael Defense Forcesin 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.