Amir Ohana

Amir Ohana is an Israeli lawyer and politician who has served as the Speaker of the Knesset since June 2022. Born in Beersheba in 1976, he made history as the first openly gay person to hold the highest procedural office in the Israeli parliament. Before entering elected office, Ohana built a career in national security as a Colonel in the Shin Bet and practiced law. His political ascent includes serving as Minister of Public Security and Minister of Justice under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

As Speaker, Ohana presides over legislative sessions and represents the Knesset internationally. He continues to lead the Likud party's Pride Group and remains a central figure in the right-wing coalition government. His tenure has been marked by navigating complex judicial reforms and maintaining parliamentary order during periods of significant social tension. [edit]

Amir Ohana grew up in Beersheba, a city in southern Israel, where he attended Maayan High School. He was raised in a secular family that valued education and public service. After completing his secondary education, Ohana enlisted in the Israel Defense Forces, beginning a long journey into national security. He eventually rose to the rank of Colonel within the Shin Bet, Israel's internal security service, where he worked on counter-terrorism and intelligence operations for many years.

Following his military service, Ohana turned his attention to the legal field. He enrolled at Tel Aviv University to study law, earning his Bachelor of Laws degree. During this period, he balanced his professional responsibilities with his personal life, quietly coming out as gay in 2013. This decision came before his entry into formal politics and set the stage for his future role as a trailblazer for LGBTQ+ rights within conservative political circles. He began practicing law while maintaining connections to the security establishment, positioning himself for a transition into public policy. [edit]

Ohana entered the political arena in 2015 when he was elected to the Knesset representing the Likud party. He replaced Silvan Shalom, becoming the first openly gay member of the Likud party to serve in the legislature. His election marked a significant shift in the party's demographics and signaled a new chapter for LGBTQ+ visibility in Israeli conservatism.

In 2019, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appointed Ohana as Minister of Public Security. In this role, he oversaw the police force and managed internal security matters during a time of heightened social unrest. The following year, he took on the additional portfolio of Minister of Justice, where he led efforts to reform the legal system and navigate complex judicial challenges. These dual roles required him to manage both law enforcement and the country's legal framework simultaneously.

Following the November 2022 elections, Ohana was elected Speaker of the Knesset, making him the first openly gay person to hold this prestigious position. As Speaker, he has overseen the parliament through the aftermath of the October 7 attacks and the subsequent war in Gaza. In August 2026, he secured a top spot in the Likud party primaries alongside Eli Cohen and Yariv Levin, ensuring his continued influence in the party's leadership ahead of future elections. [edit]

Ohana is widely viewed as a pragmatic and principled leader who bridges the gap between religious right-wing politics and LGBTQ+ advocacy. His image is defined by professionalism and dignity, fitting for a former security officer and lawyer. He is respected for his ability to navigate the complexities of the Israeli political landscape while maintaining his identity as an openly gay man in a conservative party. Although some policies he supports remain polarizing, his personal story resonates deeply with many as a symbol of progress and inclusion within the Likud movement. [edit]

The iFANN Global Fame Rankings place Amir Ohana as the 72nd most famous person in Israel, a steady position reflecting his consistent presence in national news. He also holds the ranking of the 38th most famous person from Israel, down slightly from the previous cycle but still indicating strong recognition within his home country. These placements track global attention across media coverage and consumption signals worldwide.

There is no formal name for Ohana's fanbase, as his supporters are primarily defined by their political alignment or appreciation for his historical milestones rather than celebrity worship. His audience consists of Likud members, LGBTQ+ advocates, and those who view him as a symbol of diversity in the Middle East. Supporters engage with his work through legislative discussions and political commentary rather than organized fandom rituals. His influence extends beyond Israel, drawing interest from international observers focused on democracy and human rights in the region. [edit]

Before his political career, Ohana served as a Colonel in the Shin Bet, a background that gave him unique insights into national security issues which he brought to his ministerial roles. Despite his high-profile status, he maintains a relatively low profile regarding his family life, often shielding his children from the media spotlight. Ohana speaks fluent English, which has facilitated his diplomatic engagements and international appearances. Unlike many politicians who cultivate viral internet personas, his reputation rests entirely on substantive legislative achievements and his historic breakthroughs. He chairs the Likud Pride Group, actively working to promote LGBTQ+ rights within the party and broader society. [edit]

Amir Ohana is married to Alon Hadad, his partner of many years. The couple has maintained a stable relationship since before Ohana entered the Knesset. They have two children together: a daughter named Eila and a son named David. Ohana comes from a secular family in Beersheba and remains connected to his hometown, often supporting local initiatives there. While he is a public figure, he and his family prefer to keep their private life away from the intense scrutiny of the media, focusing instead on their roles as parents and citizens. [edit]

Benjamin Netanyahu, Eli Cohen, Yariv Levin, Alon Hadad. [edit]

Amir Ohana is in a long-term partnership with Alon Hadad. The couple has been together for many years, maintaining a private life despite Ohana's high public profile. They have two children, a daughter named Eila and a son named David. Ohana came out as gay in 2013, well before his election to the Knesset, making his relationship with Hadad one of the most visible same-sex partnerships in Israeli right-wing politics. There are no other documented public romantic relationships. Their marriage has remained stable throughout his rise in the Likud party, and they continue to live together as of 2026. [edit]

Amir Ohana's financial standing is derived from his long career in law, national security, and high-level politics. As a Member of the Knesset, he earns a monthly salary along with allowances for his committee chairmanships and ministerial roles. Since becoming Speaker in 2022, his compensation has increased to reflect the responsibilities of the office. Prior to his full-time political career, Ohana worked as a senior lawyer, accumulating assets through legal practice and investments typical for professionals in his field.

Research by the iFANN Editorial Team puts Amir Ohana's fortune at around $2 Million. This estimate accounts for his real estate holdings in the Tel Aviv and Beersheba areas, savings accumulated over decades of service, and investment portfolios. While specific figures are not publicly disclosed, his wealth reflects the standard earnings of senior Israeli officials and seasoned legal professionals. [edit]