Israel has sworn in Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, a career military man who previously served as Benjamin Netanyahu’s military Secretary as the new military Chief.
Zamir replaces Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, who resigned over the military’s failure to prevent Hamas’ October 7, 2023, onslaught.
Halevi announced his departure in January after only two years in the role rather than the traditional four.
He had long been expected to step down once the war in Gaza began winding down, over the military failures that enabled the Hamas attack to occur.
During the inauguration at the military’s headquarters in the commercial hub of Tel Aviv, Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu commended Zamir for “the Zionism that beats within you… and the professional commitment as the link between the [military] and other security officials to the Prime Minister.”
“A very heavy responsibility rests on your shoulders. The results of the war will have significance for generations, we are determined to achieve… victory.”
Benjamin Netanyahu
In his first speech after being promoted, Zamir said, the task he is receiving is clear: “to lead the IDF to victory.”
“I accept command of the (Israeli military) with modesty and humility … Hamas has indeed suffered a severe blow, but it has not yet been defeated. The mission is not yet accomplished.”
Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir
He vowed to quickly bring home all captives from Gaza. “Our moral duty is clear; Bring everyone back home, in any way possible and as quickly as possible,” he said.
Zamir also said that all Israeli society must participate in defending the country, a remark seemingly directed at the ultra-Orthodox community, some of whom have resisted calls for mandatory conscription.
Israel’s army, he said, “is the army of the people.”
“Facing external threats, we must have cohesion of the ranks. We will work to expand the ranks. The defensive missions must be divided.”
Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir
Speaking at the same ceremony, outgoing Chief, Herzi Halevi called for establishing a national commission of inquiry into the October 7 onslaught.
“The establishment of a state commission of inquiry is necessary and vital. Not to find someone to blame, but first and foremost to reach the source of the problems and allow for repair.
“On October 7, the IDF failed. It was a deep failure. But such a failure on this scale cannot only be investigated in the IDF and the Shin Bet.”
Herzi Halevi
Halevi in his speech also slammed incessant criticism of the military from some politicians and members of the public, both before the war and during it. “This does not help us to be better. It may harm the soldiers’ trust, and that of their commanders,” he said.
In keeping with tradition, after the rank awarding ceremony, Zamir visited the Western Wall in the Old City of Jerusalem, the iconic remnant of the Second Temple complex that has been a focal point for the Jewish people for 2,000 years.
Smotrich, Ben-Gvir Hail Zamir’s Inauguration
Israel’s right-wing Finance Minister, Bezalel Smotrich and MP Itamar Ben-Gvir both lauded the inauguration of Army Chief, Eyal Zamir.
In a post on X addressing Zamir, Smotrich stated that “the goal” is total victory and the return of all the hostages. “From my familiarity with you, I know you understand the magnitude of the moment and the importance of the mission,” he added.
Ben-Gvir, who quit Netanyahu’s coalition in January over opposition to the ceasefire deal, urged Zamir to bring a “fresh spirt and new forces”, promote “offensive and ethical officers”, stop “the policy of blocking” right-wing officers and shield the military from foreign influence.
He added that with determination, courage and decisiveness, the new Army Chief will be able to ensure the strength of the [military] and the security of the state of Israel.
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