Deputy Chief of Staff, Major General Amir Baram, has announced his decision to step down from his position at the end of next month. In a letter addressed to Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi, Baram explained: “Given the current circumstances, my ability to contribute as Deputy Chief of Staff is restricted. Additionally, I do not intend to serve a double term of three to four years in this role.” He further stated his willingness to “take on any position within the defense establishment as needed in the future.”
Baram, 55, has served as Deputy Chief of Staff for approximately two and a half years.
“On December 18, I requested a meeting with you to discuss concluding my duties on the agreed-upon date,” Baram wrote Halevi. “This decision stems from the significant reduction in the intensity of the war, my sense that my contribution as Deputy Chief of Staff is limited under the current circumstances, and my intention not to serve a full term of three or four years in this role.”
Over the past year, multiple reports have highlighted tensions between Baram and Halevi. These tensions reportedly stem from Baram’s claims—or at least perceived claims—that he was excluded from critical decision-making processes during combat. These grievances reportedly include both the practical aspects of his involvement and the manner in which the IDF communicates decisions and actions to the public, as well as the handling of investigations and other operational matters.
In other words, like many, Baram was critical of IDF Spokesperson Daniel Hagari who has morphed his job from reporting on IDF activities to being Chief of Staff Halevi’s PR agent.
In the wake of the Deputy Chief of Staff’s dramatic announcement, senior IDF officials believe a temporary acting deputy will be appointed, because of Defense Minister Israel Katz’s decision not to appoint new generals until Chief of Staff Halevy submits complete reports on the IDF’s internal investigation into the October 7 debacle. Additionally, there is speculation that Halevy himself may step down within the next two months, further discouraging the appointment of a permanent Deputy Chief of Staff.
Media reports indicate that in private discussions, Deputy Chief of Staff Amir Baram expressed his intention to run for the position of Chief of Staff. However, he reportedly felt a sense of exhaustion under Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi’s leadership. According to Army Radio’s Doron Kadosh, Baram’s decision to step down was partly driven by his belief that he could contribute more significantly in other capacities and by the sense that he was not sufficiently involved in key decision-making processes regarding the operation of the force.
Major General Baram sees himself as a potential candidate to succeed Halevi when the time comes, a sentiment reflected in his letter, which concluded with the statement: “Of course, in the future, I will be ready to fill any role in the defense establishment that I am required to fill.”
While Baram is considered a candidate for the position, reports suggest he is not the frontrunner. The leading contender for the role appears to be Maj. Gen. (res.) Eyal Zamir, is currently the Director General of the Defense Ministry. Zamir, a former IDF Deputy Chief of Staff, lost to Halevi in the runoff for the post of Chief of Staff.
