Maj Gen Eyal Zamir, who will succeed Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, who is scheduled to resign in March, has been appointed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as the IDF’s ( IDF) chief of staff.
The office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed on Saturday that Zamir would take over the position on March 6.
Zamir, now serving as the chairman standard of Israel’s security government, was among the leading candidates considered for the position.
Budget 2025 Updates
According to The Times of Israel, defence minister Israel Katz had shortlisted Maj Gen Amir Baram, the latest Army deputy chief of staff, and Maj Gen Tamir Yadai for the position.
Halevi resigned last month, accepting responsibility for the safety problems that led to Hamas ‘ October 7, 2023 attack, which is commonly regarded as Israel’s most serious security breach.
According to The Times of Israel, Halevi only had the idea to move down after a peace agreement was reached between Israel and Hamas.
Halevi issued a statement after the announcement, congratulating Zamir and guaranteeing a smooth transition of control. According to Halevi,” I have known Eyal for many years, and I am convinced that he will guide the Army ahead in the face of the challenges that lie ahead,” according to ANI. He added that the move procedure may be “professional and high-quality” over the upcoming months.
Zamir, a veteran military chief, has held a variety of roles in Israel’s military forces, including serving as the IDF’s deputy chief of staff. His visit comes at a crucial moment for Israel, which is dealing with stringent security threats, including Hezbollah‘s growing conflict in Lebanon and Hamas ‘ ongoing warfare.
However, the Gaza ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas remains a important topic in Israel’s security environment. Three Jewish hostages—Yarden Bibas, Ofer Kalderon, and Keith Siegel—were released on Saturday as part of the first step of the peace. President of Israel, Isaac Herzog, praised their returning but expressed concern for the remaining victims.
The second step of the peace is expected to last six days, with nearly 2, 000 Arab prisoners being exchanged for free in exchange for 33 Israeli hostages. Additionally, the partnership allows for Palestinians who are recovering from health care to return to the Rafah border crossing to Egypt.
As per the confirmation of Netanyahu’s business, Israeli and Hamas members are scheduled to begin discussions on the second phase of the peace in Washington on Monday.
The discussion will center on ensuring the launch of the victims who are still being held hostage and possibly for an indefinitely-threatened truce. Nevertheless, if no agreement is reached, the issue could begin in early March.
