Major General Eyal Zamir Appointed as IDF’s Next Chief of Staff
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz announced on Motzei Shabbos the appointment of Major General (Res.) Eyal Zamir as the next Chief of Staff of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) • Read More
Zamir, who was considered the leading candidate for the role, is expected to assume his position next month, following the official resignation of outgoing Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi on March 6.
Zamir’s Military Career:
Born in Eilat, 59-year-old Zamir has served in the IDF for 38 years, holding various senior combat and command positions. His previous roles include: Commander of the Southern Command, Commander of the 36th Division (“Ga’ash” Division), Deputy Chief of Staff under Aviv Kochavi.
He also served as the Commander of the Tank Commanders Course in the Armored Corps and led the 656th Reserve Brigade, which assisted the Golani Brigade in the 2002 Battle of Jenin during Operation Defensive Shield. His unit played a key role in capturing the Kasbah of Jenin, then considered a “hornet’s nest” and a hub for terrorist activity and bomb-making laboratories.
Shliach Rabbi Yigal Kirshenzapt, shared a personal story about Zamir following the announcement. He recalled that Zamir was serving as the commander of the 7th Armored Brigade at the Kissufim checkpoint when his own family came under terrorist fire.
“He arrived at the scene and eliminated the terrorist who had fired at us. That’s when we first connected,” said Kirshenzapt.
He also recalled that during the 2005 withdrawal from Gaza, Zamir came to his home intending to assist. “My daughter screamed at him, and he left in embarrassment… Later, he arranged for me to receive a permit to enter Gush Katif after the withdrawal, and we developed a friendship.”
Outgoing Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi’s Statement:
Outgoing IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi congratulated Zamir on his appointment, stating:
“I congratulate Major General Eyal Zamir on his appointment 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 the face of upcoming challenges. I wish him great success.”
Halevi also confirmed that the transition process will be completed in the coming weeks, saying:
“In the coming weeks, we will carry out a professional and thorough handover of command over the IDF.”
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