The Israeli cabinet officially approved Major General Eyal Zamir as the next Israel Defence Forces (IDF) Chief of Staff.
A 59-year-old Zamir will officially become the 24th IDF commander on March 5, succeeding Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi, who resigned over the failure to prevent Hamas attack on October 7, 2023.
Zamir will become the first IDF chief to come out of the Armored Corps since David (“Dado”) Elazar in the 1970s.
Zamir served in the IDF for 38 years in various senior combat and command positions, in particular, he was deputy chief of staff (2018 to 2021), and before that led the Southern Command (2015 to 2018). He served as the Commander of the Ground Forces and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's military secretary between 2012-2015.
Prime Minister Netanyahu has praised Zamir’s “offensive and strategic approach” and expressed his belief that Zamir will lead Israel into a new era of military strength.
“I expect from Eyal Zamir, during his service, and even very soon, that we will see major achievements, which will change not only the status of Israel but the face of the entire Middle East,” Netanyahu stated, according to his account X.
He noted “the first role of a military is to fight and defeat the enemy.”
Last week Defense Minister Israel Katz held a meeting with both Herzi Halevi and Eyal Zamir at the IDF Southern Command headquarters in Beersheba.
"Zamir’s leadership is exactly what we need to ensure the strength and success of the IDF," Katz said during the cabinet meeting. "His leadership will not only safeguard Israel but also bring long-term victory over our enemies."
On Friday, Katz nominated former Ground Forces chief Maj. Gen. Tamir Yadai, 55, for the position of IDF deputy chief of staff, who is going to replace Maj. Gen. Amir Baram.
“I am confident in Maj. Gen. Yadai’s ability to make a significant contribution as deputy chief of staff, strengthening the IDF’s force buildup and offensive capabilities in the face of the many security challenges we currently face,” Katz said in a statement.
Read next
15:27
Israel is expected to participate in the upcoming EU-Southern Neighbourhood meeting in Brussels on June 23, which aims to strengthen cooperation with countries in the southern Mediterranean region.
00:30
The United Nations Security Council is likely to vote on Wednesday, June 4, on a draft resolution calling for an immediate, unconditional, and permanent ceasefire in Gaza, according to diplomats.
14:57
The incident took place on Saturday in Boulder, Colorado, during a regular event held to raise awareness for Israeli hostages held in Gaza.
04:00
Israel’s military chief has ordered an expansion of the Gaza ground offensive amid growing warnings of famine and international criticism over aid restrictions.
20:40
Russia-USA
Hamas said on Saturday it had officially responded to a ceasefire plan put forward by U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, who represents President Donald Trump in Middle East diplomacy. The group said its reply includes a key demand: a complete end to the war.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment