Eyal Zamir was sworn in as the 24th Chief of Staff of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) today at the Defense Headquarters in Tel Aviv, following his promotion to lieutenant-general during a command changeover ceremony led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Zamir was appointed to replace outgoing IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Herzi Halevi, who resigned from his position over the IDF’s failure to prevent the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas massacre.

Netanyahu praised Zamir, who once served as his military secretary.

“Even when he served as my military secretary, I was impressed by Eyal Zamir’s commitment to the state, his commitment to the IDF, and his offensive approach. I support and lead, together with the defense minister, his appointment as the next IDF chief of staff with both hands. I expect that during his service – perhaps even in the near future – we will achieve all these monumental accomplishments that not only change Israel’s situation but also transform the entire Middle East.”