Grisha Yakubovich (Hebrew: גרישה יקובוביץ; born October 3, 1967) is the former Head of the Civil Department for the Coordination of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) that oversaw economic and infrastructural projects and the facilitation of humanitarian issues in the Palestinian territories. As an IDF colonel with thirty years of experience in facilitating cooperative efforts between Israelis and Palestinians,[1] he concluded his military service in the Israeli Defense Force in 2016. He currently serves as a policy and strategy consultant to various international NGOs, private companies, and research institutes,[2][3] and implements cooperation projects between Israelis, Palestinian, and International businesses in the public and private sectors.[4][5]
Military career
Colonel Yakubovich served as Head of the Civil Coordination Department of the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT),[6] overseeing economic and infrastructural projects and the facilitation of humanitarian issues in the Palestinian territories[7] – West Bank and Gaza Strip, including Area C, B and A according to the Oslo Accords. This included infrastructure projects covering water and sewage systems, gas and electricity lines,[5] telecommunication structures, and environmental protection,[8] as well as led the coordination and liaison with the Palestinian Authority (PA) and the Palestinian population of the territories, and connecting the international communities e.g. NGOs and consulates, to the Palestinian territories[9]
Col. Grisha Yakubovich Head of the Civil Coordination Department, COGAT, briefing Foreign Ambassadors in Israel on the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, 31 July 2014
During his service, Yakubovich managed multi-lateral supply chains between Israel, the Palestinians[10] and the international community during Operation Protective Edge, including the supply of critical resources such as food, water and medicine.[11][12] He orchestrated the management of a joint-international, Israeli and Palestinian system that allowed for the continuous transfer of food, water, resources, and reconstruction materials.[13] During Operation Pillar of Defense, Yakubovich led strategic negotiations in Egypt and with the UN in New York to reach a ceasefire with its associated outcomes.
After his military service, Yakubovich transitioned into a role as a Policy & Strategy Consultant, acting as a strategic analyst for private companies, non-governmental organizations[18] and governmental agencies in Israel, Europe and the United States. Working with Nesher Israel Cement Enterprises, he built the West Bank and Gaza market, including business development, sales, quality assurance, and revenue management.[19]
In addition, he provides lectures and briefings to various delegations and conferences,[20] including European Diplomats,[21] members of the UN,[22] journalists, law enforcement agencies,[23] organizations,[24] federations, and academic institutions.[25][26][27]
Media Presence
Yakubovich is featured as a live commentator on Israeli and international media outlets speaking about matters in the Middle East such as the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Hamas, Hezbollah, Egypt, Gaza, among other topics, on channels such as BBC,[28]CNN,[29]Fox News,[30]abc 7,[31] and I-24 News.[32] He also contributes written analysis, interviews, and commentary on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict[33] as a Senior Analyst at the Miryam Institute.[34]
