Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yisrael Katz on Motzei Shabbos nominated Maj.-Gen. (res). Eyal Zamir as the next IDF chief of staff.

Zamir, 59, was considered the leading candidate to succeed outgoing IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi. In the years before October 7, Zamir was opposed to the view of IDF leaders who claimed that Israel no longer needed a large army and let go thousands of reservists. During an IDF ceremony in 2021, Zamir warned that “in the face of a multi-threat campaign, the IDF needs a large army.”

According to Ynet, Zamir’s appointment was supported by many army officers. He has been involved in force building over the past year and has excellent relations with US defense officials. Since the beginning of the war in Gaza, Zamir has been involved in purchasing weapons from the US, including fighter jets and armaments, and also initiated efforts to increase local arms production in Israel.

Zamir has served in the IDF for 38 years in senior combat and command positions, including the commander of the Southern Command and commander of the 36th Division. His most recent position in the IDF, from 2018-2021, was as the deputy chief of staff to then-IDF chief of staff Aviv Kochavi.

Zamir is expected to enter office on March 6, immediately after the resignation of IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi takes effect.

Defense Minister Katz interviews Zamir for the position of Chief of Staff. (Photo: Ariel Hermoni, Ministry of Defense)(YWN’s Jerusalem desk is keeping you updated after tzeis ha’Shabbos in Israel)