Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yisrael Katz announced on Saturday night that Eyal Zamir has been selected as the IDF’s next and 24th Chief of Staff. Zamir will be replacing Lt.-Gen. Herzi Halevi, who recently announced his resignation.
He will have to appoint the Deputy Chief of Staff, the commanders of the Southern and Northern Commands, and most likely also a new head of the Military Intelligence Service, in place of the fresh and controversial Binder, according to reporter Amit Segal.
Selection Process
Zamir was chosen over other candidates, including IDF Deputy Chief Maj. Gen. Amir Baram and Maj. Gen. Tamir Yadai. His extensive military experience and leadership roles within the IDF contributed to his selection.
Military Background
According to the Ministry of Defense website, Major General (ret.) Eyal Zamir has served in the IDF for 38 years, holding various combat and command positions. His military career began at the IDF Junior Command Preparatory Boarding School, after which he joined the Armored Corps, serving in multiple roles during the First and Second Intifadas.
Over the years, Zamir has commanded several divisions, including:
- Reserves Armored Corps
- 7th Armored Brigade
- 143rd Reserves Division
- 36th Division
He later served as Commander of the Ground Forces and as Prime Minister Netanyahu’s military secretary from 2012 to 2015. He then led the Southern Command, where he was involved in efforts to counter tunnel threats from Gaza and manage border security challenges.
Leadership and Contributions
Between 2018 and 2021, Zamir served as Deputy Chief of Staff under Lt. Gen. Aviv Kochavi. During this period, he was involved in implementing the “Tnufa” multi-year plan and overseeing military aid efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic and Operation “Guardian of the Walls.”
Academic and Professional Background
Zamir holds:
- A bachelor’s degree in political science from Tel Aviv University
- A master’s degree in national security and political science from Haifa University
- A certification from Wharton University’s General Management Program (GMP)
Reactions
Member of the Political and Security Cabinet, Minister of Finance Bezalel Smotrich:
“I wish General Eyal Zamir great success in his role as the next Chief of Staff of the IDF.
Major General Zamir is being appointed to his position at a historic time, and the people of Israel expect him to lead the IDF very quickly to a drastic change in the concept of security and to complete victory on all fronts.
To this end, he will have to re-staff a large part of the positions in the General Staff and appoint them to combative and determined commanders of the generation of victory.
As Minister of Finance and as a member of the Political and Security Cabinet, I will stand by him and do everything to ensure that, with the help of the Lord, this will be so.”
Opposition leader Yair Lapid congratulated Defense Ministry Director General Eyal Zamir on his appointment as the next Chief of Staff, declaring, “The right person for the position. The entire people of Israel are behind you,” Lapid said.
Chief of Staff, Maj. Gen. Herzi Halevi wrote [translated], “I congratulate Maj. Gen. (res.) Eyal Zamir on his election as the 24th Chief of Staff of the IDF. I have known Eyal for many years, and I am confident that he will lead the IDF forward in light of the challenges ahead, and I wish him much success. In the coming weeks, we will complete a professional and high-quality transfer of command of the IDF.”
Deputy Chief of Staff, Maj. Gen. Amir Baram wrote [translated]:
“I would like to congratulate my friend and colleague, Maj. Gen. (res.) Eyal Zamir, on his election as the next Chief of Staff of the IDF.
I have no doubt that he will fulfill his mission with distinction, demonstrating the combat and strategic leadership necessary in light of the challenges of the hour.
I will assist my two commanders in the preparation and replacement process, as much as I need, and I wish Eyal a smooth and successful entry into this important role.
With much appreciation!”
Chairman of Otzma Yehudit, MK Itamar Ben-Gvir wrote [translated]:
“I congratulate General Eyal Zamir on his appointment as the next Chief of Staff and hope that he will lead the IDF with an offensive approach of victory and defeating the enemy. This is the time to break free from past concepts, restore deterrence, and act firmly against terrorism. We will support every step that strengthens Israel’s security. Good luck!”
