Israel’s Cabinet voted on Sunday to confirm Maj. Gen. (res.) Eyal Zamir as the 24th chief of staff of the Israel Defense Forces. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed high expectations for his tenure and anticipated significant achievements.
“Even when he served as my military secretary, I was impressed by Eyal Zamir’s dedication to the country and the IDF, as well as his offensive strategic approach,” Netanyahu stated, according to his office. He emphasized his full support for Zamir’s appointment, alongside Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz.
The prime minister thanked outgoing IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi for his service. Halevi said that he is resigning over his “responsibility for the IDF’s failure” during the Hamas-led Oct. 7, 2023, cross-border massacre, in which Gazan terrorists killed some 1,200 people and took 251 hostages.
Halevi departed on Sunday night for his final official visit to the United States, where he is scheduled to meet with high-ranking military officials.
Netanyahu further highlighted his belief that Zamir‘s leadership could lead to transformative achievements across the region.
“I coined two words: ‘Total victory.’ We received a lot of criticism for this, and much mockery, but it is clear to everyone that we stand before an opportunity to achieve victories that we did not dream of. I expect from Eyal Zamir, during his service, and perhaps very soon, that we will see these major achievements, which will change not only the status of Israel but the face of the entire Middle East,” said Netanyahu.
Katz echoed this sentiment, stressing the need for “a strong and victorious army” and expressing confidence in Zamir’s capability to lead the IDF to victory on all fronts. Katz added, “I am certain he will guide the IDF wisely, implement lessons from Oct. 7, and strengthen the military. His success is our success.”
Zamir, 59, the current director general of the Defense Ministry, will be the first IDF chief to come out of the Armored Corps since David (“Dado”) Elazar in the 1970s.
He previously served as deputy chief of staff (2018 to 2021), and before that led the Southern Command (2015 to 2018). During that time, he helped formulate war plans focused on Hamas and contemplated scenarios in which the terrorist faction might be replaced in Gaza, though these plans were not updated by subsequent Southern Command leaders.
While at the helm of the Defense Ministry, Zamir has spearheaded efforts over the past year to greatly ramp up domestic weapons production to reduce reliance on imports, working with local defense companies.
The handover from Halevi to Zamir is scheduled for March 5.
Katz tapped former Ground Forces chief Maj. Gen. Tamir Yadai to be Zamir’s deputy.
