Eyal Zamir Takes Charge: The Israeli Army’s New Chief of Staff

Eyal Zamir has been appointed as Israel’s new Chief of Staff. The retired Major-General will take charge of the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) at a crucial time. His appointment comes after a period of uncertainty and leadership changes in the wake of the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel. Zamir’s experience and long-standing relationship with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu make him a key figure in the future of Israel’s military strategy.

Who is Eyal Zamir?

Eyal Zamir is no stranger to the Israeli military. He was conscripted into the army in 1984 and has worked through the ranks. Zamir has demonstrated strong leadership, from serving as a tank officer to becoming the commander of the 7th Armored Brigade and the 36th Armored Division. He took on significant responsibilities during his military career, including leading Israel’s southern command.

Zamir was Netanyahu's military secretary from 2012 to 2015. This role gave him a unique opportunity to shape Israel's military strategy and policies. His time in this role, combined with his leadership in southern command, positioned him as a key figure in Israel's defense apparatus.

His Military Record

Eyal Zamir’s military record is both impressive and controversial. As head of the southern command, Zamir was directly involved in military actions that resulted in significant casualties during the 2018 protests along the Gaza border. His forces faced Palestinian protesters in what became known as the Great March of Return. The clashes led to over 150 deaths and thousands of injuries. Eyal Zamir defended his actions, claiming his troops were confronting potential terror attacks.

Despite this, his leadership was praised by certain hard-right members of Israel’s government, including Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich. Smotrich has expressed confidence that Zamir will take a strong stance against Israel’s adversaries, particularly in Gaza.

Zamir’s military career took another significant step in 2018 when Netanyahu promoted him to deputy chief of staff. His promotion and involvement in high-level decisions showed that he was seen as a trusted and capable military leader.

His Appointment as Chief of Staff

Zamir’s appointment to Chief of Staff follows the resignation of Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi, who stepped down after the findings of a report on the failures of the IDF during the October 7 attacks. The military’s response to the Hamas-led assault was widely criticized, and Halevi’s resignation was part of a broader shake-up in Israel’s security leadership.

Prime Minister Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz chose Eyal Zamir for this critical role. His appointment is seen as a strategic move to stabilize the military leadership and maintain continuity in defense policies. Zamir will now oversee Israeli military operations across multiple fronts, including Gaza, Syria, and Lebanon.

Eyal Zamir’s Views on Israel’s Defense

Zamir has always been a strong advocate for Israel’s self-defense capabilities. He has often emphasized the importance of Israel’s military independence, even when discussing the significant amount of foreign military aid the country receives, particularly from the United States. In his first public speech as Chief of Staff, Eyal Zamir reinforced his belief that Israel should be able to defend itself without reliance on others.

His views on defense extend to the broader Middle East, with a strong focus on confronting Iran. Zamir has long argued that Israel must be prepared to take aggressive action to protect its interests in the region. He has voiced concerns about the influence of Iran and other regional actors on Israel’s security.

Additionally, Zamir’s controversial stance on "collective punishment" during his earlier career has been a contention. He defended the use of such measures in combating what he described as "terrorist populations" in the past. This view aligns with the more hard-line defense strategies that some members of Israel’s government, particularly those on the far right, support.

What Does His Appointment Mean for Israel’s Future?

Zamir’s appointment could significantly impact Israel’s future military and political landscape. The Israeli military has faced challenges in recent years, particularly after the October 7 attacks exposed weaknesses in its preparedness. With several high-ranking military officials resigning or having their promotions delayed, Zamir’s leadership will play a key role in shaping the future of the IDF.

Zamir’s close relationship with Prime Minister Netanyahu suggests that he may align closely with the government’s broader defense and foreign policy strategies. Netanyahu has expressed confidence in Eyal Zamir, praising his commitment to Israel’s security and aggressive military leadership approach. This alignment could lead to more assertive military actions, especially regarding Gaza and Iran.

Zamir’s leadership may also have political implications. The Chief of Staff role in Israel has often served as a springboard for future political careers. Former Prime Ministers Yitzhak Rabin, Ariel Sharon, and Ehud Barak held the position before transitioning into politics. Whether Zamir will follow in their footsteps remains to be seen, but his influence in Israel’s defense and security decisions will likely grow.