The general Cabinet approved on Sunday Defense Minister Israel Katz's proposal to appoint Major General (res.) Eyal Zamir as the 24th Chief of the IDF General Staff. The approval of the appointment of Zamir as the designated Chief of Staff was made at the end of a selection procedure. According to the proposed resolution, the appointment will take effect on March 5, 2025, at 16:00. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said: "Even when he served as my military secretary, I was impressed by Eyal Zamir's commitment to the country, his commitment to the IDF, and the fact that he has an offensive approach." "I was impressed by his commitment to the country, his commitment to the IDF, and the fact that he has an offensive approach. I was looking for a military secretary with an offensive approach, and I got one; of course we learned to work together. I tried on several occasions to appoint him – first of all, I recommended him for deputy chief of staff, but then I also tried to appoint him as chief of staff, I think twice. And twice I failed, and now a third opportunity has arrived." He added: "I thank Herzi Halevi for his service, and I support and lead, together with the Minister of Defense, the appointment of Eyal Zamir as the next IDF Chief of Staff. The first reason is that he has an offensive approach. The fact that the army, along with the other security agents, is subject to government decisions is self-evident. But I expect those agents not to present us with political views; that is not their responsibility. Their role is to create options for us to eradicate our enemy, to defeat the enemy. The first role of the army is to fight the enemy and defeat the enemy." Netanyahu continued: "I demanded two words, 'total victory.' We received a lot of criticism for this and many ridiculed us, but it is clear to everyone that we are facing opportunities to achieve victories that we never dreamt of. I expect that during his service – perhaps even in the near future – we will realize all these great achievements, which are changing not only Israel’s situation but also the face of the entire Middle East." Netanyahu concluded his remarks by noting the historical importance of the opportunities facing Israel: "And here I want to address you, my friends – we are facing the possibility of historic opportunities to ensure the future of Israel, the future of the Jewish people, the future of the Land of Israel, the future of the world of the Torah. Because without the State of Israel – there will be no Jewish people, and I believe that there will be nothing else inherently connected to Israel's heritage.” Minister Katz added: "I congratulate Maj. Gen. (res.) Eyal Zamir on his election as the next Chief of the IDF General Staff. Zamir is being appointed as Chief of Staff at a time of many security challenges that we are facing. Israel needs a strong and victorious army and I am convinced that Eyal Zamir has the ability to lead the IDF to decisions and victories on all fronts. I am certain that he will steer the IDF wisely and responsibly and will strive to implement the lessons from the October 7th massacre, in order to strengthen the IDF. His success is our success." Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich congratulated Zamir: "Congratulations to Maj. Gen. (res.) Eyal Zamir on the government's approval of his appointment as the 24th Chief of Staff of the IDF. Great tasks lie ahead of us as a people, as a state, and as an army. First and foremost, to bring about, with God's help, a complete victory on all fronts. Eyal, in the name of God, you will do it and, with God's help, you will succeed!" On Friday, the Minister of Defense decided, in coordination with Zamir, that Maj. Gen. Tamir Yadai will be appointed Deputy Chief of Staff and will replace the current Deputy Chief of Staff, Major General Amir Baram, who is ending his term of service. Major General Yadai has successfully held key positions throughout his many years in the IDF, including Commander of the Ground Forces, Commander of the Central Command, Commander of the Home Front Command, Commander of the Judea and Samaria Division, and Commander of the Golani Brigade.
