Amir Rapaport's Column: Maj. Gen. (Res.) Eyal Zamir Expected to Be Appointed as the Next IDF Chief of Staff

Without unforeseen developments, IDF Chief of Staff, Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi is expected to conclude his term within two to three months at most, with Maj. Gen. (res.) Eyal Zamir set to succeed him as the 24th Chief of Staff of the IDF. 

This development emerges from recent discussions within Israel’s military and security leadership. Zamir’s appointment requires approval from the Senior Appointments Advisory Committee and the government. Although the formal process, including interviews with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has not yet commenced, the likelihood of Zamir not being appointed is considered slim.

Reportedly, the process to select the next chief of staff began last month during the first working meeting between Halevi and the new Defense Minister, Israel Katz, after the latter assumed office. Sources indicate that it was agreed Halevi would end his tenure in early 2025, following the completion of IDF inquiries into the Swords of Iron War. Since that meeting, a ceasefire in Lebanon has been achieved, and the current assessment is that Halevi’s departure is imminent. The 23rd Chief of Staff began his term in January 2023, less than two years ago.

Halevi’s retirement may be delayed if the ceasefire in the north collapses or due to other unforeseen circumstances. Either way, Halevi will end his tenure as the official responsible for one of the most significant failures in IDF history, on October 7th 2023, but also as the leader who guided the IDF from an unprecedented low to exceptional achievements across all battlefronts. In September, Hagai Segal reported on Makor Rishon that sources close to Halev said that he "will unquestionably step down the moment he feels he is leaving the army in capable hands."

This week, perhaps against the backdrop of understanding that the decision has been made and the identity of the next chief of staff is clear, Maj. Gen. Eliezer Toledano, head of the IDF's Strategy Directorate and former Southern Command chief (until about three months before the war), announced he would not seek the appointment and plans to retire from the IDF.

Deputy Chief of Staff Maj. Gen. Amir Baram is officially considered a candidate but is unlikely to be appointed due to his central role in the period leading up to the October 7th failure. Northern Command Chief Uri Gordin, who excelled during the war in his first role as a Major General, is still not considered ready to lead the recovery process. Zamir faces no real competition for the position.

Maj. Gen. (res.) Eyal Zamir was appointed Director-General of the Defense Ministry two years ago by former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. Following Katz’s appointment as Defense Minister, Zamir announced his intention to resign but has remained in the role, with no replacement yet named. His resignation is reportedly part of the understanding surrounding his expected appointment as Chief of Staff. A similar path was taken after the Second Lebanon War when Lt. Gen. (res.) Gabi Ashkenazi was appointed Chief of Staff after serving as the Defense Ministry’s Director-General.

Former DM Gallant had already prepared Zamir for the role of chief of staff, ensuring his participation in key General Staff meetings and critical engagements with the political echelon, including those typically beyond the scope of the Defense Ministry Director-General. Zamir is highly regarded by Katz and Netanyahu and earned respect during his tenure as Netanyahu’s Military Secretary from 2012 to 2015. Since October 7th of last year, Zamir has played a pivotal role in maintaining Israel’s special defense relationship with the U.S. and securing weaponry and ammunition for the IDF.

Zamir is poised to become the first chief of staff to emerge from the Armored Corps. The last chiefs of staff with connection to this corps were Lt. Gen. Chaim Bar-Lev (1968–1972) and Lt. Gen. David Elazar (1972–1974), both over 50 years ago. However, followed a career path exclusively within the Armored Corps.

Zamir held key command positions all throughout Armored Corps and, at the senior level, served as Southern Command Chief and Deputy Chief of Staff. Following his appointment, he is expected to bring back several officers who left the army in recent years and to lead an unprecedented growth process, focusing on strengthening ground forces and addressing the Iranian nuclear threat.

Response from the Defense Ministry and the IDF Spokesperson's Unit: Contrary to reports, no agreement has been reached between the chief of staff and the defense minister regarding Halevi’s resignation. These claims are unfounded.

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