Israeli Political Figures React to New IDF Chief-of-Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir's Swearing-In

On Wednesday, Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir officially took over as the new Chief-of-Staff of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in a swearing-in ceremony held in Tel Aviv. His appointment comes at a crucial time for the IDF, as the military and Israel as a whole work to recover from the events of October 7. In the aftermath of that day’s catastrophic security failure, the new IDF Chief is tasked with a monumental challenge: rebuilding the IDF and restoring trust in its operational readiness.

Political figures from various sectors expressed their support for Zamir's leadership, recognizing the immense responsibility placed upon his shoulders in the wake of the nation’s security crisis.

Education Minister Yoav Kisch congratulated Zamir, acknowledging the heavy responsibility on his shoulders, stating, "The responsibility on your shoulders is immense—to lead the IDF to absolute victory. I am confident you will do so with strength, wisdom, and determination."

Opposition Leader Yair Lapid also expressed his congratulations, writing on social media, "He and we face many operational and ethical challenges. I am confident that he will lead the IDF in rebuilding after the largest disaster in our history."

Similarly, National Unity Party leader MK Benny Gantz praised Zamir’s character and leadership qualities, calling him "an outstanding officer, a leading commander, and a person with a solid moral backbone." Gantz expressed confidence in Zamir's ability to rebuild the military and restore trust with the Israeli public, particularly in the aftermath of the failures that occurred on October 7.

A Moment of Reflection: October 7

The new Chief-of-Staff, in his first official orders, did not shy away from addressing the tragic failures of October 7. "The Israel Defense Forces did not fulfill its mission on October 7. We will not hide it, nor will we cover it up," Zamir wrote. He described the tragedy as an indelible scar on the hearts of the people, pledging that the IDF will rise from the ashes of that dark day with renewed strength and determination. His message to IDF soldiers was clear: "Victory and the defeat of the enemy is our mission, this is our purpose."

Zamir’s words underscored his commitment to the country’s security and his vision for the IDF moving forward: a focused and relentless pursuit of victory, without compromise. "We will not rest until our brothers return from the tunnels of captivity—this is our moral duty," Zamir emphasized.

Key Challenges and Strategic Focus

Zamir's tenure promises to usher in changes to IDF strategy and organization. On his first day in office, Zamir outlined his vision for 2025, focusing on Gaza and Iran as primary theaters of conflict. "This will be a year of war," he said, reinforcing the need for the IDF to prepare for a broader range of security threats. Additionally, Zamir has made it clear that one of his primary goals is to emphasize "victory" as a core value, as opposed to the concept of deterrence that has characterized much of the IDF's recent strategic thinking.

Zamir's appointment also comes with a strategic shakeup within the IDF. He has announced significant changes to IDF command structures, including the disbanding of the Strategy and Iran Command, with its responsibilities being distributed across other military units. This restructuring is aimed at creating a more efficient and responsive military force capable of adapting to modern threats.

Zamir has also made immediate changes to the high command, including the replacement of Southern Command Chief Maj.-Gen. Yaron Finkelman with Maj.-Gen. Yaniv Asor, who had been passed over for promotion in the past. Asor is known for his approach to integrating the haredi (ultra-Orthodox) community into the IDF, which has garnered him support within the political sphere.

Another key priority for Zamir is securing the release of hostages held by Hamas. In his first orders, he emphasized that "the return of all the hostages is the goal," signaling that efforts to secure their freedom will remain a top priority. This commitment highlights the broader ethical and strategic responsibilities of the IDF in the coming years.

Strengthening National Morale

Zamir’s leadership is not just about military strategy; it’s about restoring confidence within the nation and the IDF. As he addressed the soldiers in his first speech, Zamir reminded them of their critical role in the defense of the nation, noting that "a remarkable nation, torn between tears and hope, looks to us." His rallying cry for victory is designed not only to inspire the soldiers but also to renew the trust of the Israeli public in their military’s ability to protect them.

The Changeover Ceremony: A Historic Moment

Zamir's swearing-in ceremony was a moment of reflection and transition. Outgoing Chief-of-Staff Herzi Halevi attended the ceremony before joining Zamir for a visit to the Western Wall in Jerusalem, following a longstanding military tradition. The visit to the Wall symbolized the passing of the baton between two leaders, and both wrote messages of reflection and hope for the future. Later, the two men also paid respects at the Mount Herzl Cemetery and held a final ceremony to honor fallen soldiers.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, while acknowledging that Zamir had lost the race for IDF Chief twice before, expressed his confidence in Zamir’s leadership capabilities, especially given his ability to bridge the gap between political and military echelons.