Who Is Eyal Zamir? Israel’s Next IDF Chief of Staff
Zamir, a veteran commander, will take charge of the Israel Defense Forces on March 6, 2025, at a time of growing regional threats and military transformation
Maj. Gen. (res.) Eyal Zamir has been appointed as the next chief of staff of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), set to take office on March 6, 2025. His selection follows the resignation of Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, who stepped down amid ongoing security challenges, including the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack. Zamir, a seasoned military leader, has held key command positions throughout his career and is expected to lead the IDF through a period of heightened tensions and strategic reassessment.
Born in 1966 in Eilat, Zamir was educated at the Military Academy for Command in Tel Aviv, and graduated from the Inter-Service Command and Staff College and the National Security College, and attended a one-year officer training course at the École Militaire in Paris, France.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Tel Aviv University and a master’s degree in national security from the University of Haifa. He completed the General Management Program for Senior Executives at The Wharton School.
In 2021 he undertook a research year at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy in the United States, where he published a strategic plan to counter Iran’s expanding influence, driven by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps through proxy forces in Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, and Yemen, across the region.
He was drafted into the IDF’s Armored Corps in 1984, where he quickly rose through the ranks. He commanded various armored brigades and divisions, including the 7th Armored Brigade and the 143rd Division. In 2009, he took command of the 36th Division, a critical position in Israel’s ground forces. His ascent continued with his appointment as military secretary to the prime minister from 2012 to 2015, a role that provided him with firsthand exposure to the intersection of military strategy and national policy. In 2015, he was appointed commander of the Southern Command, overseeing security operations along the volatile Gaza border. His tenure was marked by escalating clashes with Hamas, requiring a delicate balance between deterrence and strategic response. In 2018, he was named deputy chief of staff, positioning him as a leading contender for the top military post.
Zamir’s selection was announced by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz, who expressed confidence in his ability to steer the IDF in a challenging security environment. His appointment is historic, as he will be the first IDF chief of staff from the Armored Corps since David Elazar in the 1970s.
Zamir is married to Orna, who previously served as the spokesperson and deputy director of the Hod Hasharon Municipality. They have three children. Their eldest son, Ori, serves as a company commander in the Armored Corps and was awarded the Chief of Staff’s Excellence Award on Israel’s 73rd Independence Day. Their daughter, Roni, is a reserve officer in the Golani Brigade’s operations division and has been recognized for her outstanding service. Their youngest son, Itay, is currently a high school student. The family’s strong connection to military service reflects Zamir’s deep-rooted commitment to Israel’s defense and national security.
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As he prepares to take command, Zamir faces a formidable set of challenges. The October 7 attack exposed significant weaknesses in Israel’s intelligence and security infrastructure, prompting urgent calls for reform. The ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas presents both an opportunity and a risk, as Israel seeks to secure hostages while preventing a resurgence of hostilities. The broader regional landscape remains precarious, with threats from Hezbollah in Lebanon, Iranian-backed militias in Syria, and mounting tensions in the West Bank.
Beyond immediate threats, Zamir is expected to spearhead modernization efforts within the IDF, particularly in cyber and missile defense. He has long advocated for the integration of advanced AI-driven warfare and the enhancement of Israel’s technological capabilities. The coming years will likely see an increased focus on adapting military strategy to asymmetric threats and emerging security dynamics.
His appointment has drawn reactions from across Israel’s political and military leadership.
The entire nation of Israel is behind you
Opposition Leader Yair Lapid welcomed the decision, calling him “the right person for the position” and emphasizing that “the entire nation of Israel is behind you.”
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich described Zamir’s appointment as an opportunity for “a dramatic change in security conception” and called for “a complete victory on all fronts.”
He will lead the IDF forward
Lt. Gen. Halevi, the outgoing IDF chief of staff, congratulated Zamir, stating, “I have known Eyal for many years, and I am confident that he will lead the IDF forward in light of the challenges ahead.” He emphasized his commitment to ensuring a smooth transition, noting that they would “complete a professional and high-quality transfer of command over the IDF” in the coming weeks.
Deputy Chief of Staff Maj. Gen. Amir Baram conveyed his congratulations, expressing confidence that Zamir will “fulfill his mission with distinction, demonstrating the combat and strategic leadership necessary in light of the challenges of the hour.” Baram committed to assisting in the transition process to ensure a smooth handover.
However, not all reactions have been positive. The far-right Torat Lechima organization criticized the appointment, arguing that Zamir represents continuity rather than a fundamental shift in military doctrine. They contend that the IDF requires a leadership overhaul to break away from past strategic miscalculations.
Zamir’s leadership style has been described as pragmatic and adaptive, shaped by decades of experience in both combat and strategic planning. His tenure as military secretary to the prime minister provided him with insight into the complex interplay between the military and political spheres. His command of the Southern Command demonstrated his ability to manage prolonged conflicts and respond to rapidly shifting threats. He is expected to bring a measured but firm approach to the IDF’s evolving security challenges.
As Zamir prepares to assume his role, all eyes will be on how he navigates the difficult terrain ahead. His leadership will be critical in shaping the IDF’s response to both immediate threats and long-term strategic imperatives. Whether he can restore confidence in Israel’s military preparedness and effectively address security concerns remains to be seen, but his extensive experience and strategic vision suggest he is well-equipped for the task.
