Yoash Tzidon

Biography and military background

Tzidon served for many years in the Israeli Air Force, rising to positions of leadership and contributing to the development of Israel's aerial capabilities during the state's early decades. His military career shaped his public profile and provided the experience that later informed his political activity. He was widely known by the nickname "Chatto".

Political activity

After leaving active military service, Tzidon became involved in right-leaning political causes. He was a member of the Movement for Greater Israel, a group that advocated retention of territories captured in the 1967 Six-Day War. Later he joined the Tzomet party, a secular, nationalist party led by Rafael Eitan that focused on security issues and political reform.

In the national elections of 1988 Tzidon was elected to the Knesset on the Tzomet list and served as a member of parliament until the 1992 elections. During his term he became notable for his advocacy of electoral reform, and he was one of the instigators of the legislation that introduced direct elections for the prime minister in Israel — a change whose political and institutional effects were debated for years afterward (direct election law).

Key points and timeline

• Born 1926; died 2015.
• Career as an Israeli Air Force commander and officer (Air Force).
• Active in the Movement for Greater Israel; later joined Tzomet.
• Member of the Knesset, 1988–1992, and proponent of direct election reform.

Legacy

Tzidon is remembered as a figure who bridged military service and political activism during a volatile period in Israeli history. His support for structural electoral change and his participation in nationalist movements made him a recognizable voice in debates over Israel's security and governance. Though he served only a single Knesset term, his association with the direct-election initiative marks a notable contribution to modern Israeli political history.

For further details on his parliamentary activity and public statements consult dedicated historical and parliamentary records and archival material related to the period.