He studied Geography and Political Science at Haifa University after serving in the IDF in the Nahal Paratroops.

Gideon Ezra served in the General Security Services between 1962-1995 and was formerly Deputy Head of the General Security Services. He served as Advisor to the Minister of Public Security (1995).

He has been a Member of Knesset since 1996, and served on the Economics, Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, and Internal Affairs and Environment Committees. From March 2001 until February 2003 he served as Deputy Minister of Public Security.

In February 2003 Gideon Ezra was appointed Minister in the Prime Minister's office, responsible for coordination between the government and the Knesset, serving until August 2004. He served as Acting Minister of Tourism from July until August 2004, and as Minister of Tourism from September 2004 until January 2005. 

Named Acting Minister of Public Security in September 2004, he served as Minister of Public Security from November 2004 until May 2006, and as Minister of the Environment from January 2006, a position he held also from May 2006 until March 2009.

He is married and has three children.