Racheli Chen Appointed as Israel Defense Ministry’s First Female Deputy Director General

Racheli Chen, former head of the Export Controls Agency, becomes the first woman to serve as Deputy Director General at Israel’s Defense Ministry.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 31, 2026, 8:00 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Stav Levaton (Defense Ministry Announcement).

A Historic Milestone in Defense Leadership

The appointment of Racheli Chen marks the first time a woman has ascended to the rank of Deputy Director General within the Israel Defense Ministry. This promotion places her at the helm of the ministry’s Planning Division, a critical department responsible for the long-term strategic vision of the nation's security infrastructure. Her role will be central to coordinating staff work and ensuring that the ministry’s multiyear force buildup plans are executed efficiently amidst a complex regional security landscape.

A Decade of Expertise in Defense Exports

Chen is a veteran of the Defense Ministry, bringing a wealth of institutional knowledge to her new position. For the past ten years, she served as the head of the Defense Export Controls Agency (DECA), where she was responsible for regulating the export of sensitive military technology and ensuring compliance with international security standards. Her background also includes significant experience within the ministry’s Research and Development (R&D) and Procurement bodies, making her uniquely qualified to bridge the gap between technological innovation and strategic planning.

Leadership Transition and Future Outlook

Chen replaces Itamar Graf, who concluded a four-year tenure in the role. Graf has been tapped to serve as the acting head of the Political-Military Affairs Bureau, another vital wing of the ministry that manages Israel’s international defense relationships and policy. The transition comes at a time when the Defense Ministry is under immense pressure to streamline its procurement and buildup processes to meet the demands of ongoing regional conflicts.