Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has appointed retired Major General Eyal Zamir as the new chief of staff of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). Zamir, who previously served as deputy chief of staff from 2018 to 2021, will replace Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi, who resigned last month following security failures that led to Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel. Halevi is set to step down on March 6.
A statement from Netanyahu’s office confirmed that the decision was made in consultation with Defence Minister Israel Katz, with both leaders agreeing on Zamir’s appointment.
With 28 years of military service, Zamir has held key positions in the Israeli army. He previously commanded the Southern Command, responsible for operations along the Gaza border, and also served as Netanyahu’s military secretary.
His appointment comes at a pivotal moment, as Israel continues its military offensive in Gaza, faces border tensions with Lebanon, and contends with recent airstrikes from Iran, Iraq, and Yemen. Additionally, Israeli forces have carried out extensive operations in the northern occupied West Bank and have reportedly maintained a presence in parts of Syria since late December.
Despite mounting criticism over the government’s handling of the October 7 attack, Netanyahu’s administration has not initiated a formal state inquiry into the security lapses that resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people and the capture of around 250 hostages.
Halevi, in his farewell message, congratulated Zamir on his appointment and assured a smooth transition of leadership.
