Reserve Maj. Gen. Eyal Zamir gets appointed as 24th Chief of Staff of IDF
(MENAFN) In a pivotal decision, Reserve Maj. Gen. Eyal Zamir has been appointed as the 24th Chief of Staff of the IDF. This appointment is seen as a strategic choice, with Zamir regarded as the right person for the job at this crucial moment. His ability to implement deep reforms in the military is widely acknowledged, and his expertise is particularly valuable in a time of transformation. Zamir’s appointment follows a familiar pattern, echoing the circumstances that led to the appointment of Gabi Ashkenazi as Chief of Staff 18 years ago. Both men were chosen after a war, having previously lost out in the competition for the position. Zamir, like Ashkenazi, had served as the Director General of the Ministry of Defense before his promotion.
The task before Zamir is immense. It is even considered more challenging than what Ashkenazi faced after the Second Lebanon War, or what Moti Gore confronted after the Yom Kippur War. His responsibilities include not just restoring the army, but also reshaping its security concepts and purging it of external influences that have politicized its operations. This daunting task will test Zamir's leadership, requiring him to clean up the army and protect it from civilian interference. Zamir’s suitability for the role stems from his extensive experience and strong character. He is recognized as a leader made of steel, with a deep understanding of the land army’s operations—an essential quality for rebuilding the force. His background in the armored corps, where the motto is “What does not succeed by force succeeds with more force,” makes him the ideal candidate for the task of leading the IDF through this period of change. The army will also need to significantly increase its tank forces, which have dwindled in recent years, a necessity emphasized by the recent conflict.
Moreover, Zamir's previous roles as military secretary to the prime minister and director general of the Ministry of Defense have given him a deep understanding of the relationship between the military and the political leadership. This knowledge will be critical to his success. His appointment suggests that he has already reached agreements on important matters with political leaders, which may not necessarily be rooted in principle, but are essential for his leadership to succeed. In addition to Zamir, the candidates for the deputy chief of staff position include Major General Tamir Yadai and Major General Uri Goldin, with discussions also underway regarding the potential return of Yaniv Ashour. Meanwhile, Israel Katz recently met with reserve Maj. Gen. Sami Torjoman regarding the role of director general of the Ministry of Defense, highlighting the ongoing changes within the IDF leadership.
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