Tel Aviv, Israel – Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir officially assumed command of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on Wednesday, replacing outgoing Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, who resigned following the military’s failure to prevent the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack. In his inaugural address, Zamir committed to leading the IDF to victory, expanding service participation across Israeli society, and securing the return of hostages still held in Gaza.
The transition of command took place at the IDF headquarters in Tel Aviv, beginning with a ceremony at 11 a.m. Zamir, 59, was promoted to the rank of lieutenant general, the highest rank in the Israeli military. Given the ongoing conflict, both Zamir and Halevi attended the ceremony in their standard work uniforms rather than the traditional dress attire.
Zamir, who previously served as director general of the Defense Ministry, rejoined the military amid an active war. His appointment was confirmed last month by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz.
Zamir’s Commitment to Victory
Taking command during one of Israel’s most intense military conflicts, Zamir emphasized his immediate priorities. “The task that I am receiving today is clear: to lead the IDF to victory,” he declared. Acknowledging the devastation of October 7, he lauded the resilience of the Israeli people and soldiers who rose to defend the country.
“The IDF has achieved significant victories on the battlefield,” Zamir stated. “We have fought in Gaza and Lebanon, struck targets in Yemen and Iran, and delivered severe blows to Hamas. But the mission is not yet complete.”
Addressing families of the hostages still held by Hamas, Zamir made a solemn pledge. “Your loved ones are always in my thoughts. Our moral duty is clear: to bring them home by any means necessary, as soon as possible.”
Calls for Service Expansion
Zamir urged greater national participation in military service, specifically calling on the ultra-Orthodox community to join the IDF. “Defending our homeland is a shared responsibility,” he said. “We must stand united against external threats and strengthen our ranks.”
Outgoing Chief Calls for Inquiry
Halevi, in his final speech as IDF chief, called for a national commission to investigate the failures of October 7. “Such a commission is necessary, not to assign blame, but to identify systemic problems and implement solutions,” he asserted. His comments were made in the presence of Prime Minister Netanyahu, who has previously resisted calls for such an inquiry.
Halevi also criticized ongoing political and public attacks on the military, warning that they could damage the trust and morale of IDF personnel. “Those questioning the courage of our forces have never stood in battle, never carried a wounded comrade through enemy territory,” he remarked.
Netanyahu and Katz Welcome Zamir’s Leadership
Prime Minister Netanyahu reaffirmed his confidence in Zamir, emphasizing the importance of his leadership during wartime. “The nation wants victory, and it will achieve victory under your command,” Netanyahu said. He also reiterated his commitment to bringing home all hostages held by Hamas.
Defense Minister Katz reminded Zamir of the immense responsibility ahead. “The security challenges before you allow no grace period,” Katz stated. “You must act immediately to elevate the IDF’s capabilities and see this war through to a decisive end.”
Katz also warned that if Hamas does not release the remaining hostages, “we will return to fighting with strength and methods Hamas has never encountered before, until it is completely defeated.”
Transition Ceremony and Leadership Appointments
Following the official handover, Zamir and Halevi visited the Western Wall in Jerusalem, met with President Isaac Herzog, and honored fallen soldiers at the National Memorial Hall. Back in Tel Aviv, Zamir held his first meeting with the IDF’s General Staff, marking the beginning of his tenure as Israel’s top military leader.
Zamir is expected to make key leadership appointments in the coming days, as several top generals have announced their resignations following the October 7 attack. His first major personnel decisions will include filling approximately 60 senior military positions.
A Career of Military Leadership
Born in Eilat, Zamir is the first IDF chief to have started his military service in the Armored Corps. Since joining the IDF in 1984, he has held numerous leadership roles, including commander of the 7th Armored Brigade, the 36th Armored Division, and the IDF Southern Command. He also served as military secretary to Prime Minister Netanyahu and, most recently, as deputy IDF chief of staff.
Zamir’s extensive experience in defense and security, coupled with his deep familiarity with IDF operations, positions him as a strategic leader in Israel’s ongoing military campaign. As he assumes command, Israel and its armed forces look to him for decisive action in securing victory and ensuring national security.
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