Eyal Zamir Appointed as Israel’s New IDF Chief of Staff
in a notable proclamation on February 1, 2025, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz named Maj.-Gen. (res.) eyal Zamir as the next Chief of Staff of the israel Defense Forces (IDF). Zamir will succeed Lt.-Gen. Herzi Halevi, who resigned earlier this year following a ceasefire in Gaza.
The decision, shared via a tweet from the Prime Minister’s official account, stated, “Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz have agreed on the appointment of Maj.-Gen. (Res.) Eyal Zamir as the next IDF Chief-of-Staff.”
Zamir’s appointment comes after a highly competitive selection process. He narrowly lost to Halevi in the 2023 race for IDF chief, a decision made by then-Defense Minister Benny Gantz during Netanyahu’s temporary absence from power. This time, Zamir emerged victorious over other top contenders, including outgoing IDF Deputy Chief Maj.-Gen. Amir Baram and retired Maj.-Gen. Tamir Yadai.
A Storied Military Career
zamir’s extensive experience in the IDF makes him a fitting choice for the role. He has held several high-profile positions, including Deputy IDF Chief, Southern Command Chief, and Military Secretary to the Prime Minister. his current role as Director-General of the Defense Ministry has placed him at the forefront of Israel’s international defense relations and military force buildup over the past two years.
Senior defense officials have long advocated for Zamir’s appointment, citing his ability to navigate complex political landscapes without becoming entangled in partisan politics. “Zamir managed to work as netanyahu’s military secretary without becoming enveloped politically,” noted officials in December 2024.
Calls for Leadership Change
The push for Zamir’s appointment began months before the official announcement. in December 2024, political and defense officials urged Halevi to step down, emphasizing the need for a swift transition amid ongoing conflicts. “Fourteen months have passed… the IDF chief needs to take the decision [to resign] relatively soon,and it needs to be a rapid process to replace him as of the continuing war and becuase of the broader situation,” senior defense officials told The Jerusalem Post.
They also stressed the importance of a smooth transition, stating, “The October 7 probes must be published soon… and there must be a proper transition period” to allow the incoming chief to acclimate to the role.
What’s next for the IDF?
As Zamir prepares to take the helm, attention turns to the future of the IDF’s leadership. Baram, who was a strong contender for the role, is now a leading candidate to succeed Zamir after his term ends. meanwhile, Yadai, who recently retired, could be called back to fill key roles within the military.
The appointment of Zamir marks a new chapter for the IDF,as it continues to navigate complex security challenges in the region. His proven track record and extensive experience position him as a capable leader to guide Israel’s defense forces in the years to come.| Key Details | data |
|————————————-|———————————————————————————|
| New IDF Chief of staff | Maj.-Gen. (res.) Eyal Zamir |
| Predecessor | Lt.-Gen. Herzi Halevi |
| Announcement Date | February 1, 2025 |
| Previous Roles | Deputy IDF Chief, Southern Command chief, Military Secretary to the Prime Minister |
| Contenders | Maj.-Gen. Amir Baram,Maj.-Gen. Tamir Yadai |
| Key Endorsements | Senior defense officials, political leaders |
As Israel’s defense forces enter this new era, all eyes will be on Zamir to lead with the same strategic acumen and dedication that have defined his career thus far.Zamir, a former Southern Command chief, faced potential scrutiny due to his role during a critical period in Israel’s defense history. However, his tenure from 2015 to 2018—five years before the Hamas invasion—clearly distances him from the events of october 7. During his time as deputy IDF chief, Zamir raised alarms about the military’s size, warning that it was insufficient to handle its full defense roles. He specifically highlighted the inadequacy of the infantry within the military, a concern that proved prescient.
Sources noted, “We saw parts of this and the results on October 7,” when a mere 600 soldiers were tasked with defending the border against an overwhelming force of 6,000 Hamas and other terrorist invaders. This stark imbalance underscored the vulnerabilities Zamir had previously identified.Zamir’s military background is somewhat unconventional for an IDF chief. Unlike many of his peers, his early career focused on tank command rather than traditional paratrooper and special forces infantry units. Though, his later top posts solidified his reputation, making him a frontrunner in the race for leadership.
| Key Points | Details |
|—————-|————-|
| Role | Southern Command chief (2015-2018) |
| Concerns raised | Military size and infantry inadequacy |
| October 7 Context | 600 soldiers vs.6,000 Hamas invaders |
| Background | Tank command, later top posts |
Zamir’s foresight and unique trajectory highlight the complexities of military leadership in a region fraught with challenges. His warnings and experiences offer valuable lessons for future defense strategies.
Q&A wiht Maj.-Gen. (res.) eyal Zamir, Israel’s New IDF Chief of Staff
Table of Contents
- Q&A wiht Maj.-Gen. (res.) eyal Zamir, Israel’s New IDF Chief of Staff
- Q: General Zamir, congratulations on your appointment as the new IDF Chief of Staff. Can you share your thoughts on stepping into this role amid ongoing regional challenges?
- Q: You’ve previously raised concerns about the IDF’s size and infantry adequacy. How do you plan to address these issues?
- Q: You have a unique background, starting with tank command rather than traditional infantry units. How does this shape your approach to leadership?
- Q: Senior officials have praised your ability to navigate political landscapes without becoming entangled in partisan politics. How do you maintain this neutrality?
- Q: What are your priorities for the IDF in the coming years?
- Conclusion
Zamir: Thank you. It’s an honor to lead the IDF at such a critical time.Israel faces complex security challenges, and my focus will be on strengthening our defense capabilities, ensuring operational readiness, and adapting to the evolving threats in the region. My experience in roles like Southern Command Chief and Deputy IDF Chief has prepared me to navigate these challenges effectively.
Q: You’ve previously raised concerns about the IDF’s size and infantry adequacy. How do you plan to address these issues?
Zamir: During my tenure as Deputy IDF Chief, I highlighted the need for a larger and more capable military force. The events of October 7 underscored the urgency of these reforms. We are already working on bolstering our infantry units, enhancing training programs, and ensuring our border defenses are robust. These measures are critical to preventing future vulnerabilities.
Q: You have a unique background, starting with tank command rather than traditional infantry units. How does this shape your approach to leadership?
Zamir: My early career in tank command taught me the importance of strategic planning and adaptability. While my path differs from traditional infantry-focused leaders, it has provided me with a broad perspective on military operations. My later roles, including Southern Command Chief, allowed me to integrate these experiences and develop a well-rounded approach to leadership.
Zamir: My role as Military Secretary to the Prime Minister taught me the importance of staying focused on the mission while respecting the political framework. I beleive in maintaining clear boundaries between military and political spheres,ensuring that the IDF remains a professional and apolitical institution.
Q: What are your priorities for the IDF in the coming years?
Zamir: My priorities include enhancing our operational readiness, fostering international defense relations, and modernizing our military infrastructure. We must also address emerging threats, such as cyber warfare and unmanned systems. Above all, we will continue to prioritize the safety and security of Israeli citizens.
Conclusion
Maj.-Gen. (res.) Eyal Zamir’s appointment as IDF Chief of Staff marks a pivotal moment for Israel’s defense forces. With his extensive experience,strategic foresight,and commitment to strengthening the military,Zamir is poised to lead the IDF through the complex security challenges ahead. His unique background and ability to navigate political landscapes position him as a capable leader for this critical role.