Dr. Yoaz Hendel is an author, media professional, publicist, and public activist. Before joining politics, Dr. Hendel served as the Head of the Institute for Zionist Strategies and as a journalist. He also served in the IDF, including in the IDF’s Naval Commando unit Shayetet 13 and earning the rank of Lieutenant Colonel as an officer in the IDF reserves.
He served as the Director of the National Public Diplomacy (Hasbara) Unit in the Prime Minister’s Office from 2011-2012. From 2019-2023, Dr. Hendel served as Israel’s Minister of Communications and was a member of Israel’s Security Cabinet and Ministerial Committee for Legislation and a Member of Knesset and as Chairman of his Party (Derekh Eretz).
As of January 2023, Dr. Hendel has taken a break from politics, now serving as Director on the board of several private corporations as well as Chairperson and Partner in the management of non-profit organizations that assist at-risk youth and encourage higher enlistment in the IDF.
Dr. Hendel earned a Ph.D. in history from Tel Aviv University, is an expert in military history, and has lectured at Bar Ilan University.