Yonatan was born in the city of Bucharest, Romania, on July 28, 1931. At the age of 13, his parents were taken by the Nazis to a labor camp. He managed to escape Romania on Kastner's "Rescue Train" and immigrated to Israel.

Yonatan was educated at a Youth Aliyah institution, and upon completing his studies he worked in agriculture at Kibbutz Mishmarot. From the moment he arrived in the country, he began studying at the studio of Gertrud Kraus, and that same year he was already performing with the troupe. During the War of Independence he was drafted into the army, and immediately after the war he was discharged and returned to dancing.

Yonatan was drawn to the field of folk dancing - first as a dancer and later as a choreographer, specializing in folk dances for the stage. Milestones in the field of folk dance for the stage:

Karmon was the choreographer of the dance convention at "Dalia" in 1947. In the late 1950s he founded the National Folk Dance Troupe, which was chosen to represent Israel, and he served as the troupe's artistic director. This is the troupe that bears his name — "The Karmon Troupe."

The Karmon Troupe, across its generations, presented a rich and varied repertoire and maintained a unique style that characterizes Yonatan's works. The dances express, in color and sound, the Israeli experience, the scents and landscapes of the land.

"The Karmon Troupe" also performed in Paris, at the prestigious "Olympia" hall, and achieved great success. Following that success, the hall's director approached Yonatan and offered him the role of artistic advisor to the "Olympia."

Yonatan accepted the offer and served in that role for 30 years, alongside his activities in various projects in Israel and around the world. In this role, Yonatan gained significant international standing.

In 1980, he founded the Jerusalem Troupe, which was supported by the Jerusalem Municipality and donors from abroad.

In 1987, together with the Folk Dance Division of the Histadrut, led by Tirza Hodes, he founded the Dance Festival in Karmiel. Yonatan served as the festival's artistic director for 12 years and shaped its character. Under his leadership, the festival was a very special gathering of folk, ethnic, and artistic dance, as well as a meeting point between dance troupes in Israel and troupes from various parts of the world.

Yonatan organized dance and cultural conventions throughout the country and became a prominent figure in Israeli dance life.

Yonatan draws a clear distinction between Israeli folk dances performed in circles and group dances, and Israeli dance for the stage. He claims that he does not create folk dances, but rather is a choreographer who creates Israeli dance for the stage.

Indeed, his beloved dances, which became folk dances and are performed with great enthusiasm, "descended" from the stage - as he said in one interview: "People came, took a phrase from the dance on stage, and brought it down to the people."

Karmon has been widely recognized for his contribution to dance in Israel and has received awards:

• In 2004, Yonatan Karmon was awarded the "Minister of Education Award for Lifetime Achievement" in the field of dance. "...He created a narrative and theatrical dance style inspired by Jewish and Israeli folklore. Through his artistic vision and personality, he shaped generations of dancers..." (from the judges' written rationale.)
• In 2008, Yonatan Karmon received the "Mifal HaPayis Award for Performing Arts" in the name of Michael Landau. Among the judges' remarks, they determined that "...his contribution and unique legacy in building content deeply rooted in the fabric of Israeli dance..."

The Organization of Instructors and Choreographers of Folk Dance in Israel and the Diaspora presented Yonatan Karmon with a Certificate of Honor at a festive ceremony at the Karmiel Festival - "Distinguished Member of the Organization." This was given as a token of great appreciation and esteem for his work.