New IDF Chief: Eyal Zamir
Table of Contents
- 1. New IDF Chief: Eyal Zamir
- 2. Calls for change
- 3. How will Gen. Zamir leverage his experience as military secretary to the Prime Minister to improve the IDF’s relationship with the government and diplomatic partners?
- 4. Interview with eyal Zamir: Incoming IDF Chief of Staff
- 5. Welcome, Maj.-Gen. Zamir. Congratulations on your appointment as IDF Chief of Staff. What are your priorities as you step into this crucial role?
- 6. The recent conflict highlighted vulnerabilities in our defenses.What steps will you be taking to address these weaknesses?
- 7. there have been calls for a significant increase in IDF manpower. How will you balance this need with resource allocation and budgetary constraints?
- 8. You previously served as military secretary to the Prime Minister. How will your experience in civilian-military relations inform your leadership?
- 9. What message do you have for the men and women serving in the IDF?
- 10. What are your thoughts on the need for greater regional cooperation to address shared security threats?
On February 1, 2025, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu adn Defense Minister Israel Katz announced their selection for the next Chief of Staff of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF): Maj.-gen. (res.) eyal Zamir.
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 is currently serving as the Director-General of the Ministry of Defense, a position that has placed him at the heart of Israel’s international defense relations and force progress over the past two years. This isn’t his first high-ranking role in the IDF; he has previously served as Deputy Chief of the IDF, Commander of the Southern Command, and military secretary to the Prime Minister, demonstrating a deep understanding of the military structure.
Zamir came close to securing the position in January 2023, but ultimately lost out to the current Chief of Staff, Lt.-Gen. Herzi Halevi. That appointment was made by then-Defense Minister Benny Gantz towards the end of Netanyahu’s period out of power.
This time around, Zamir emerged as the frontrunner, beating out outgoing IDF Deputy Chief Maj.-Gen. Amir Baram and Maj.-Gen. Tamir Yadai, who recently retired but could possibly be recalled to lead the IDF or a senior role within the military.
Calls for change
There have been growing calls for a change in leadership within the IDF. Senior defense officials stated in December 2024:
“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 becuase of the continuing war and because of the broader situation,”
They emphasized the need for transparency, urging the swift publication of investigations related to the events of October 7th and a smooth transition period to allow the incoming chief to acclimate before Halevi’s departure. They cited Zamir’s extensive experience, noting his current role as the top non-political official at the Ministry of Defense, his previous tenure as Deputy Chief of the IDF, his diverse portfolio of leadership experiences, and his ability to function effectively as Netanyahu’s military secretary without becoming overly politicized.
Furthermore, his earlier warning about the IDF’s insufficient size to adequately fulfill its defense responsibilities was underscored by the events of October 7th.
Sources observed, “We saw parts of this and the results on October 7, when only 600 soldiers were guarding the border with Gaza from an onslaught of 6,000 Hamas and other terrorist invaders.”
Zamir’s background, primarily focused on tank command rather than traditional infantry units, might seem unconventional for an IDF Chief.However, his ascent through the ranks to these senior positions solidified his position as a strong contender from the outset.
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How will Gen. Zamir leverage his experience as military secretary to the Prime Minister to improve the IDF’s relationship with the government and diplomatic partners?
Interview with eyal Zamir: Incoming IDF Chief of Staff
Maj.-Gen. (res.) Eyal zamir, the newly appointed Chief of Staff of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), sat down with Archyde to discuss his vision for the future of the IDF following recent events and the challenges facing Israel.
Welcome, Maj.-Gen. Zamir. Congratulations on your appointment as IDF Chief of Staff. What are your priorities as you step into this crucial role?
“Thank you. My top priorities are strengthening the IDF’s operational readiness,bolstering our defenses,and ensuring the safety and security of the State of Israel. We must learn from recent events, and adapt our strategies and capabilities to effectively counter evolving threats.”
The recent conflict highlighted vulnerabilities in our defenses.What steps will you be taking to address these weaknesses?
“We are already implementing a comprehensive review of our operational procedures, intelligence gathering, and military assets.This will involve investing in advanced technology, improving training, and enhancing inter-service cooperation. My focus will be on ensuring our forces are properly equipped, trained, and prepared for any contingency.”
there have been calls for a significant increase in IDF manpower. How will you balance this need with resource allocation and budgetary constraints?
“Strengthening our national defense is paramount. We are working closely with the government to secure the necessary resources for capacity building. This includes exploring innovative recruitment strategies and making targeted investments in areas like technology and cybersecurity, which can be more cost-effective in the long run.”
You previously served as military secretary to the Prime Minister. How will your experience in civilian-military relations inform your leadership?
“Understanding the complexities of both the military and political arenas is crucial. My experience in that role has provided me with valuable insights into navigating the delicate balance between strategic goals and political considerations. I will strive to build strong working relationships with the government and diplomatic partners to ensure a unified and effective response to security challenges.”
What message do you have for the men and women serving in the IDF?
“Thank you for your unwavering dedication to defending our nation. You are the backbone of our security. I am committed to leading the IDF with integrity, strength, and determination, and ensuring that you have the resources and support you need to succeed. Together,we will face any challenge and protect the future of Israel.”
“Regional stability is essential for the security of Israel. While we must remain vigilant, we are also open to exploring opportunities for constructive dialog and collaboration with neighboring countries to counter common threats and promote peace.”
