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* Military officer
* Military officer
* Civil servant
* Civil servant
| organization      = * [[Israel Ministry of Defense]]
| organization      = * Israel Ministry of Defense
* [[Israel Defence Forces]]
* [[Israel Defence Forces]]
* [[Technion – Israel Institute of Technology]]
* Technion – Israel Institute of Technology
| awards            = [[Israel Defense Prize]] (3)<br />Chief of Staff Citation
| awards            = Israel Defense Prize (3)<br />Chief of Staff Citation
| module            = {{Infobox military person|embed=yes
| module            = {{Infobox military person|embed=yes
   | allegiance      = {{flag|Israel}}
   | allegiance      = {{flag|Israel}}
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'''Haim Eshed''' alternatively [[Romanization of Hebrew|romanized]] as '''Chaim Eshed''' ({{Langx|he|חיים אשד}}; born 1933)<ref>{{cite web|title=Former Israeli space security chief says aliens exist, humanity not ready|url=https://www.jpost.com/omg/former-israeli-space-security-chief-says-aliens-exist-humanity-not-ready-651405|access-date=December 9, 2020|work=The Jerusalem Post|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=2019|title=In the media/ Indian Technology Congress 2019|url=https://embassies.gov.il/bangalore/NewsAndEvents/In%20the%20media/Pages/Indian-Technology-Congress-2019.aspx|access-date=2021-01-02|website=Consulate General of Israel in Bengaluru}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=2020-12-09|title=The Galactic Federation Book About Aliens Being Real Is By A Fantasy Author [Updated]|url=https://www.gizmodo.com.au/2020/12/israel-us-claim-aliens-galactic-federation-exist/|access-date=2021-01-02|website=[[Gizmodo]] Australia|language=en-AU}}</ref> is an Israeli [[Visiting scholar|visiting professor]] of [[aeronautics]] and [[astronautics]] at various [[space technology]] [[Research institute|research institutions]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=2016-01-16|title=Dr. Chaim Eshed|url=https://airandspace.si.edu/support/wall-of-honor/dr-chaim-eshed|access-date=2021-01-02|website=[[National Air and Space Museum]]|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=2016|title=ישראל בחלל: עידן החדש ומלא הפתעות|url=https://www.space.gov.il/activities-and-events/58104|access-date=2021-01-02|website=[[Israel Space Agency]]|language=he}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=2018-10-20|title=ספר חדש: ניהול פרויקטים של חדשנות טכנולוגית מאת פרופ' חיים אשד|url=https://www.hayadan.org.il/chain-eshed-book-on-project-management-2110181|access-date=2021-01-02|website=[[:he:הידען|Hayadan]]|language=he-IL}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=2019-09-05|title=Students to now launch satellites with Israel's help - The New Indian Express|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/bengaluru/2019/Sep/05/students-to-now-launch-satellites-with-israels-help-2029018.html|access-date=2021-01-02|website=[[The New Indian Express]]}}</ref> A retired brigadier general in [[Military Intelligence Directorate (Israel)|Israeli Military Intelligence]], Eshed was director of space programs for [[Ministry of Defense (Israel)|Israel Ministry of Defense]] for nearly 30 years, is former [[Chairperson|chair]] of the Space Committee of the National Council for Research and Development for the [[Ministry of Science, Technology and Space]] and a member of the steering committee of [[Israel Space Agency]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=2014-03-26|title=תא"ל (מיל') פרופ' חיים אשד, המולמו"פ: "צריך לחבר בין סייבר, חלל, ננו-טכנולוגיה ורובוטיקה"|url=https://www.pc.co.il/news/151094/|access-date=2021-01-02|website=[[:he:אנשים ומחשבים|PC.co.il]]|language=he-IL}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=2013|title=אתגרים ומגמות בטכנולוגיות החלל - לווינים קטנים וזעירים|url=https://pausa.m.tau.ac.il/events/space/30-5-13|access-date=2021-01-02|website=[[Tel Aviv University]]|language=he}}</ref> Eshed is responsible for the launch of 20 Israeli made satellites,<ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=2017-04-17|title="האמריקאים הולכים לכסות את החלל בלוויינים זעירים, ואנחנו נשארנו מאחור"|url=http://www.yediot.co.il/articles/0,7340,L-4948921,00.html|access-date=2021-01-02|website=[[Yedioth Ahronoth]]|language=He}}</ref> and he is widely cited as the father of Israel's space program.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Nair|first=Kiran Krishan|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ZBXL1i-n6UAC&q=eshed+%22father%22+of+israel+space+program&pg=PA241|title=Space: The Frontiers of Modern Defence|date=2006|publisher=KnowledgeWorld .|isbn=978-81-87966-44-9|location=|pages=159|language=en}}</ref>
'''Haim Eshed''' alternatively romanized as '''Chaim Eshed''' ({{Langx|he|חיים אשד}}; born 1933)<ref>{{cite web|title=Former Israeli space security chief says aliens exist, humanity not ready|url=https://www.jpost.com/omg/former-israeli-space-security-chief-says-aliens-exist-humanity-not-ready-651405|access-date=December 9, 2020|work=The Jerusalem Post|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=2019|title=In the media/ Indian Technology Congress 2019|url=https://embassies.gov.il/bangalore/NewsAndEvents/In%20the%20media/Pages/Indian-Technology-Congress-2019.aspx|access-date=2021-01-02|website=Consulate General of Israel in Bengaluru}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=2020-12-09|title=The Galactic Federation Book About Aliens Being Real Is By A Fantasy Author [Updated]|url=https://www.gizmodo.com.au/2020/12/israel-us-claim-aliens-galactic-federation-exist/|access-date=2021-01-02|website=Gizmodo Australia|language=en-AU}}</ref> is an Israeli visiting professor of aeronautics and astronautics at various [[space technology]] [[Research institute|research institutions]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=2016-01-16|title=Dr. Chaim Eshed|url=https://airandspace.si.edu/support/wall-of-honor/dr-chaim-eshed|access-date=2021-01-02|website=[[National Air and Space Museum]]|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=2016|title=ישראל בחלל: עידן החדש ומלא הפתעות|url=https://www.space.gov.il/activities-and-events/58104|access-date=2021-01-02|website=[[Israel Space Agency]]|language=he}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=2018-10-20|title=ספר חדש: ניהול פרויקטים של חדשנות טכנולוגית מאת פרופ' חיים אשד|url=https://www.hayadan.org.il/chain-eshed-book-on-project-management-2110181|access-date=2021-01-02|website=[[:he:הידען|Hayadan]]|language=he-IL}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=2019-09-05|title=Students to now launch satellites with Israel's help - The New Indian Express|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/bengaluru/2019/Sep/05/students-to-now-launch-satellites-with-israels-help-2029018.html|access-date=2021-01-02|website=The New Indian Express}}</ref> A retired brigadier general in [[Military Intelligence Directorate (Israel)|Israeli Military Intelligence]], Eshed was director of space programs for [[Ministry of Defense (Israel)|Israel Ministry of Defense]] for nearly 30 years, is former chair of the Space Committee of the National Council for Research and Development for the Ministry of Science, Technology and Space and a member of the steering committee of [[Israel Space Agency]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=2014-03-26|title=תא"ל (מיל') פרופ' חיים אשד, המולמו"פ: "צריך לחבר בין סייבר, חלל, ננו-טכנולוגיה ורובוטיקה"|url=https://www.pc.co.il/news/151094/|access-date=2021-01-02|website=[[:he:אנשים ומחשבים|PC.co.il]]|language=he-IL}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=2013|title=אתגרים ומגמות בטכנולוגיות החלל - לווינים קטנים וזעירים|url=https://pausa.m.tau.ac.il/events/space/30-5-13|access-date=2021-01-02|website=Tel Aviv University|language=he}}</ref> Eshed is responsible for the launch of 20 Israeli made satellites,<ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=2017-04-17|title="האמריקאים הולכים לכסות את החלל בלוויינים זעירים, ואנחנו נשארנו מאחור"|url=http://www.yediot.co.il/articles/0,7340,L-4948921,00.html|access-date=2021-01-02|website=[[Yedioth Ahronoth]]|language=He}}</ref> and he is widely cited as the father of Israel's space program.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Nair|first=Kiran Krishan|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ZBXL1i-n6UAC&q=eshed+%22father%22+of+israel+space+program&pg=PA241|title=Space: The Frontiers of Modern Defence|date=2006|publisher=KnowledgeWorld .|isbn=978-81-87966-44-9|location=|pages=159|language=en}}</ref>


In 1967, Eshed was awarded the [[Orders, decorations, and medals of Israel|Chief of Staff Citation]], the highest non-combat decoration awarded by the [[Israel Defense Forces|IDF]]. Throughout his career he also received the [[Israel Defense Prize]] - the highest civilian defense honor of the State of Israel - three times, but the reasons remain classified.
In 1967, Eshed was awarded the Chief of Staff Citation, the highest non-combat decoration awarded by the [[Israel Defense Forces|IDF]]. Throughout his career he also received the Israel Defense Prize - the highest civilian defense honor of the State of Israel - three times, but the reasons remain classified.


Eshed served at the highly secretive [[Unit 81]], which provided technological solutions to the IDF's Military Intelligence Directorate.
Eshed served at the highly secretive [[Unit 81]], which provided technological solutions to the IDF's Military Intelligence Directorate.
Line 32: Line 32:


==Career==
==Career==
Eshed holds a bachelor's degree in [[Electronic engineering|electronics engineering]] from [[Technion-Israel Institute of Technology|Technion - Israel Institute of Technology]], as well as a master's and doctorate in [[Aerospace engineering|aeronautical engineering]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://meaww.com/haim-eshed-ex-space-security-chief-boss-israel-aliens-exist-galactic-federation-contact-touch-us|title=Who is Haim Eshed? Israel ex-space security boss says aliens exist, 'Galactic Federation' in touch with them, US|date=8 December 2020 }}</ref>
Eshed holds a bachelor's degree in [[Electronic engineering|electronics engineering]] from [[Technion-Israel Institute of Technology]], as well as a master's and doctorate in [[Aerospace engineering|aeronautical engineering]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://meaww.com/haim-eshed-ex-space-security-chief-boss-israel-aliens-exist-galactic-federation-contact-touch-us|title=Who is Haim Eshed? Israel ex-space security boss says aliens exist, 'Galactic Federation' in touch with them, US|date=8 December 2020 }}</ref>


In 1979, as a colonel in Israel's [[Military Intelligence Directorate (Israel)|Military Intelligence Directorate]], Eshed proposed the establishment of an independent satellite capability in order to collect intelligence from the [[Sinai Peninsula|Sinai]] after the withdrawal of Israeli forces.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Katz|first1=Yaakov|last2=Hendel|first2=Yoaz|title=Israel vs. Iran: The Shadow of War|date=2012|publisher=Potomac Books|location=Dulles, Virginia|isbn=978-1-59797-886-6|edition=1st|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=tOqm7DVyyoMC&dq=haim+eshed&pg=PT41|access-date=December 9, 2020}}</ref>
In 1979, as a colonel in Israel's [[Military Intelligence Directorate (Israel)|Military Intelligence Directorate]], Eshed proposed the establishment of an independent satellite capability in order to collect intelligence from the [[Sinai Peninsula|Sinai]] after the withdrawal of Israeli forces.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Katz|first1=Yaakov|last2=Hendel|first2=Yoaz|title=Israel vs. Iran: The Shadow of War|date=2012|publisher=Potomac Books|location=Dulles, Virginia|isbn=978-1-59797-886-6|edition=1st|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=tOqm7DVyyoMC&dq=haim+eshed&pg=PT41|access-date=December 9, 2020}}</ref>


He was space director during the 2007 launch of the spy satellite [[Ofek-7]], which he said would help with "the Iranian issue".<ref>{{cite news|last1=Williams|first1=Dan|title=Eyes on Iran, Israel launches new spy satellite|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-israel-satellite/eyes-on-iran-israel-launches-new-spy-satellite-idUSL1148027420070611|access-date=December 9, 2020|work=Reuters|date=June 10, 2007}}</ref>
He was space director during the 2007 launch of the spy satellite Ofek-7, which he said would help with "the Iranian issue".<ref>{{cite news|last1=Williams|first1=Dan|title=Eyes on Iran, Israel launches new spy satellite|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-israel-satellite/eyes-on-iran-israel-launches-new-spy-satellite-idUSL1148027420070611|access-date=December 9, 2020|work=Reuters|date=June 10, 2007}}</ref>


When he retired in 2011, he was described in Israeli media as the father of Israel's space capabilities programme.<ref name="Jeffay" />
When he retired in 2011, he was described in Israeli media as the father of Israel's space capabilities programme.<ref name="Jeffay" />


==Extra-terrestrial claims==
==Extra-terrestrial claims==
In December 2020, Eshed claimed in an interview with Israeli national newspaper ''[[Yedioth Ahronoth|Yediot Aharonot]]'' that the [[Federal government of the United States|United States government]] had been in contact with [[Extraterrestrial life|extraterrestrial]] life for years and had signed secret agreements with a "Galactic Federation" in order to perform experiments on Earth, and that there is a joint base underground on Mars where they collaborate with American astronauts.<ref>{{cite web|title="העב"מים ביקשו לא לפרסם שהם כאן, האנושות עדיין לא מוכנה"|url=http://www.yediot.co.il/articles/0,7340,L-5854241,00.html|access-date=2020-12-10|website=www.yediot.co.il|date=2 December 2020}}</ref> He also stated that US president [[Donald Trump]] was aware of this and was "on the verge" of informing everyone of their existence, but was stopped by the "Galactic Federation", who wished to prevent [[mass hysteria]].<ref>{{cite web|title="Aliens Exist," Says Former Israeli Space Chief; Alleges Contact Between Extraterrestrials and US President Donald Trump |url=https://weather.com/en-IN/india/space/news/2020-12-09-aliens-exist-says-former-israeli-space-chief|access-date=2020-12-09|website=The Weather Channel|language=en-IN}}</ref>
In December 2020, Eshed claimed in an interview with Israeli national newspaper ''[[wikipedia:Yedioth_Ahronoth|Yedioth Ahronoth]]'' that the [[Federal government of the United States|United States government]] had been in contact with [[extraterrestrial life]] for years and had signed secret agreements with a "Galactic Federation" in order to perform experiments on Earth, and that there is a joint base underground on Mars where they collaborate with American astronauts.<ref>{{cite web|title="העב"מים ביקשו לא לפרסם שהם כאן, האנושות עדיין לא מוכנה"|url=http://www.yediot.co.il/articles/0,7340,L-5854241,00.html|access-date=2020-12-10|website=www.yediot.co.il|date=2 December 2020}}</ref> He also stated that US president [[Donald Trump]] was aware of this and was "on the verge" of informing everyone of their existence, but was stopped by the "Galactic Federation", who wished to prevent [[mass hysteria]].<ref>{{cite web|title="Aliens Exist," Says Former Israeli Space Chief; Alleges Contact Between Extraterrestrials and US President Donald Trump |url=https://weather.com/en-IN/india/space/news/2020-12-09-aliens-exist-says-former-israeli-space-chief|access-date=2020-12-09|website=The Weather Channel|language=en-IN}}</ref>


The interview, in [[Hebrew]], gained traction after parts were published in English by ''[[The Jerusalem Post]]''.<ref>{{cite web|title=Former Israeli space security chief says aliens exist, humanity not ready|url=https://www.jpost.com/omg/former-israeli-space-security-chief-says-aliens-exist-humanity-not-ready-651405|access-date=2020-12-10|website=[[The Jerusalem Post]]|date=10 December 2020 |language=en-US}}</ref> [[Unidentified flying object|UFO]] investigator [[Nick Pope (journalist)|Nick Pope]] told [[NBC News]] that the [[ufology]] community wanted to know whether Eshed's account is [[Primary source|primary]] or [[Secondary source|secondary]] information: <blockquote>"Either this is some sort of practical joke or publicity stunt to help sell his book, perhaps with something having been lost in translation, or someone in the know is breaking ranks."<ref name=":0">{{cite web|title=Former Israeli space chief says aliens exist, and Trump knows about it|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/weird-news/former-israeli-space-security-chief-says-extraterrestrials-exist-trump-knows-n1250333|access-date=2020-12-10|website=NBC News|date=8 December 2020 |language=en}}</ref></blockquote>
The interview, in Hebrew, gained traction after parts were published in English by ''[[wikipedia:The Jerusalem Post|The Jerusalem Post]]''.<ref>{{cite web|title=Former Israeli space security chief says aliens exist, humanity not ready|url=https://www.jpost.com/omg/former-israeli-space-security-chief-says-aliens-exist-humanity-not-ready-651405|access-date=2020-12-10|website=[[The Jerusalem Post]]|date=10 December 2020 |language=en-US}}</ref> [[Unidentified flying object|UFO]] investigator [[Nick Pope (journalist)|Nick Pope]] told NBC News that the [[ufology]] community wanted to know whether Eshed's account is [[Primary source|primary]] or [[Secondary source|secondary]] information: <blockquote>"Either this is some sort of practical joke or publicity stunt to help sell his book, perhaps with something having been lost in translation, or someone in the know is breaking ranks."<ref name=":0">{{cite web|title=Former Israeli space chief says aliens exist, and Trump knows about it|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/weird-news/former-israeli-space-security-chief-says-extraterrestrials-exist-trump-knows-n1250333|access-date=2020-12-10|website=NBC News|date=8 December 2020 |language=en}}</ref></blockquote>


The book is ''The Universe Beyond the Horizon: Conversations with Professor Haim Eshed'' written by author [[Hagar Yanai]], published in November 2020. In the book, Eshed makes claims that include stories of how aliens prevented potential nuclear disasters, including an unspecified nuclear incident during the [[Bay of Pigs Invasion]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Thaidigsmann|first=Michael|date=2020-12-08|title="Außerirdische bereits in Kontakt mit Erde"|url=https://www.juedische-allgemeine.de/israel/israelischer-experte-ausserirdische-bereits-in-kontakt-mit-erde/|access-date=2020-12-12|website=Jüdische Allgemeine|language=de}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=|first=|date=|title=Forget Trump and Bibi. You'd much rather read about the alien Galactic Federation|url=https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/.premium-forget-trump-and-bibi-you-d-much-rather-read-about-the-galactic-federation-1.9363720|access-date=2020-12-12|newspaper=Haaretz|language=en}}</ref>  
The book is ''The Universe Beyond the Horizon: Conversations with Professor Haim Eshed'' written by author [[Hagar Yanai]], published in November 2020. In the book, Eshed makes claims that include stories of how aliens prevented potential nuclear disasters, including an unspecified nuclear incident during the [[Bay of Pigs Invasion]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Thaidigsmann|first=Michael|date=2020-12-08|title="Außerirdische bereits in Kontakt mit Erde"|url=https://www.juedische-allgemeine.de/israel/israelischer-experte-ausserirdische-bereits-in-kontakt-mit-erde/|access-date=2020-12-12|website=Jüdische Allgemeine|language=de}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=|first=|date=|title=Forget Trump and Bibi. You'd much rather read about the alien Galactic Federation|url=https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/.premium-forget-trump-and-bibi-you-d-much-rather-read-about-the-galactic-federation-1.9363720|access-date=2020-12-12|newspaper=Haaretz|language=en}}</ref>  


In 2020, [[Isaac Ben-Israel]], then current chairman of the [[Israel Space Agency]], remarked to ''[[The Times of Israel]]'' that although Eshed is the father of Israel's space capabilities, he went "too far" with his claims, and it is unlikely that human-alien encounters are occurring. He added that for decades Eshed fancied unconventional interpretations of incoherent space signals that most consider to be of natural origin.<ref name="Jeffay">{{cite news|last=Jeffay|first=Nathan|title=Israeli space chief says aliens may well exist, but they haven't met humans|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/israeli-space-chief-says-aliens-may-well-exist-but-they-havent-met-humans/|access-date=2020-12-10|website=[[The Times of Israel]]|language=en-US |issn=0040-7909}}</ref> In response to queries by NBC News, a [[NASA]] spokesperson reaffirmed that "we have yet to find signs of extraterrestrial life".<ref name=":0" />
In 2020, [[Isaac Ben-Israel]], then current chairman of the [[Israel Space Agency]], remarked to ''[[wikipedia:The Times of Israel|The Times of Israel]]'' that although Eshed is the father of Israel's space capabilities, he went "too far" with his claims, and it is unlikely that human-alien encounters are occurring. He added that for decades Eshed fancied unconventional interpretations of incoherent space signals that most consider to be of natural origin.<ref name="Jeffay">{{cite news|last=Jeffay|first=Nathan|title=Israeli space chief says aliens may well exist, but they haven't met humans|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/israeli-space-chief-says-aliens-may-well-exist-but-they-havent-met-humans/|access-date=2020-12-10|website=[[The Times of Israel]]|language=en-US |issn=0040-7909}}</ref> In response to queries by NBC News, a [[NASA]] spokesperson reaffirmed that "we have yet to find signs of extraterrestrial life".<ref name=":0" />


==References==
==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}
{{Israeli space program}}


{{Authority control}}
{{Authority control}}

Revision as of 00:59, 22 February 2026

Haim Eshed
חיים אשד
Haim Eshed in January 2008 at the Fisher Institute for Air and Space Strategic Studies
BornTemplate:Birth year and age
NationalityIsraeli
Alma materTechnion – Israel Institute of Technology
Occupations
  • Professor of aeronautical engineering
  • Military officer
  • Civil servant
Organizations
AwardsIsrael Defense Prize (3)
Chief of Staff Citation
Template:Infobox military person

Haim Eshed alternatively romanized as Chaim Eshed (Hebrew: חיים אשד; born 1933)[1][2][3] is an Israeli visiting professor of aeronautics and astronautics at various space technology research institutions.[4][5][6][7] A retired brigadier general in Israeli Military Intelligence, Eshed was director of space programs for Israel Ministry of Defense for nearly 30 years, is former chair of the Space Committee of the National Council for Research and Development for the Ministry of Science, Technology and Space and a member of the steering committee of Israel Space Agency.[8][9] Eshed is responsible for the launch of 20 Israeli made satellites,[10] and he is widely cited as the father of Israel's space program.[11]

In 1967, Eshed was awarded the Chief of Staff Citation, the highest non-combat decoration awarded by the IDF. Throughout his career he also received the Israel Defense Prize - the highest civilian defense honor of the State of Israel - three times, but the reasons remain classified.

Eshed served at the highly secretive Unit 81, which provided technological solutions to the IDF's Military Intelligence Directorate.

In 2020, Eshed became notable for promoting a UFO conspiracy theory claiming that world governments were secretly working with aliens.[12][13][14]

Career

Eshed holds a bachelor's degree in electronics engineering from Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, as well as a master's and doctorate in aeronautical engineering.[15]

In 1979, as a colonel in Israel's Military Intelligence Directorate, Eshed proposed the establishment of an independent satellite capability in order to collect intelligence from the Sinai after the withdrawal of Israeli forces.[16]

He was space director during the 2007 launch of the spy satellite Ofek-7, which he said would help with "the Iranian issue".[17]

When he retired in 2011, he was described in Israeli media as the father of Israel's space capabilities programme.[18]

Extra-terrestrial claims

In December 2020, Eshed claimed in an interview with Israeli national newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth that the United States government had been in contact with extraterrestrial life for years and had signed secret agreements with a "Galactic Federation" in order to perform experiments on Earth, and that there is a joint base underground on Mars where they collaborate with American astronauts.[19] He also stated that US president Donald Trump was aware of this and was "on the verge" of informing everyone of their existence, but was stopped by the "Galactic Federation", who wished to prevent mass hysteria.[20]

The interview, in Hebrew, gained traction after parts were published in English by The Jerusalem Post.[21] UFO investigator Nick Pope told NBC News that the ufology community wanted to know whether Eshed's account is primary or secondary information:

"Either this is some sort of practical joke or publicity stunt to help sell his book, perhaps with something having been lost in translation, or someone in the know is breaking ranks."[22]

The book is The Universe Beyond the Horizon: Conversations with Professor Haim Eshed written by author Hagar Yanai, published in November 2020. In the book, Eshed makes claims that include stories of how aliens prevented potential nuclear disasters, including an unspecified nuclear incident during the Bay of Pigs Invasion.[23][24]

In 2020, Isaac Ben-Israel, then current chairman of the Israel Space Agency, remarked to The Times of Israel that although Eshed is the father of Israel's space capabilities, he went "too far" with his claims, and it is unlikely that human-alien encounters are occurring. He added that for decades Eshed fancied unconventional interpretations of incoherent space signals that most consider to be of natural origin.[18] In response to queries by NBC News, a NASA spokesperson reaffirmed that "we have yet to find signs of extraterrestrial life".[22]

References

  1. "Former Israeli space security chief says aliens exist, humanity not ready". The Jerusalem Post. Retrieved December 9, 2020.
  2. "In the media/ Indian Technology Congress 2019". Consulate General of Israel in Bengaluru. 2019. Retrieved 2021-01-02.
  3. "The Galactic Federation Book About Aliens Being Real Is By A Fantasy Author [Updated]". Gizmodo Australia. 2020-12-09. Retrieved 2021-01-02.
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