Photo: Ministry of Defence
An Israeli government committee chaired by former Chief Justice Asher Grunis has officially approved the appointment of retired Major General Eyal Zamir as Chief of Staff of the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF). This was announced by Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz on Wednesday, The Jerusalem Post reports.
Zamir’s nomination now awaits final government approval, which is expected in the near future. He has already held one of the most influential positions in the Ministry of Defence as director general of the ministry, and previously served as deputy chief of staff, commander of the Southern Command and military secretary to the prime minister.
Zamir was already considered for the post in 2023, when Benny Gantz was Minister of Defence, but then Herzi Halevi was elected. This time, he was ahead of his competitors, including Major General Amir Baram, who could become his deputy, and Major General Tamir Yadai.
Zamir’s appointment has the support of both the political leadership and the military. He is known to have warned in 2021 about the insufficient number of troops to protect the border, which was confirmed during the Hamas attack on 7 October. At the same time, his former position as commander of the Southern Command, which is responsible for security on the border with the Gaza Strip, does not affect his appointment, as he left this post in 2018.
Final approval of Zamir’s candidacy is expected in the near future, which should ensure a stable transition of military leadership amid the ongoing conflict.
