Major General Eyal Zamir Leads IDF, Israeli Defense Minister Katz: He Will Apply Lessons From October 7 Incident

Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi (left) with Major General Eyal Zamir. (Source: Israel Defense Forces)

JAKARTA - The Israeli Cabinet approved Major General Eyal Zamir's candidacy as Israel's Defense Forces Chief of Staff (IDF), which only started next month, replacing Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi.

Lieutenant General Halevi will retire in line with the announcement of his resignation, following a military failure to prevent a Hamas attack on October 7, 2023.

Quoted from The Times of Israel on February 17, the handover of the position of Chief of Staff of the IDF will be held on March 5.

Speaking at a cabinet meeting, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hopes his former staff will achieve great achievements.

"Even when he served as my military secretary, I was impressed by Eyal Zamir's commitment to the country, his commitment to the IDF, and the fact that his approach was directed to attack," PM Netanyahu said in a cabinet meeting, according to a statement issued by his office.

He further said, together with Israeli Defense Minister Katz, he fully supported Major General Zamir.

"We hope that during his tenure, perhaps in the near future, we will achieve all these great achievements, which will not only change the Israeli situation, but also the face of the entire Middle East," said PM Netanyahu.

Meanwhile, Defense Minister Katz at the meeting said the IDF needed "strong and winning troops, and I believe in Eyal Zamir's ability to lead the IDF to beat (Israel's enemies) and win in all fronts."

"I am sure he will lead the IDF wisely and responsibly and will try to apply lessons from October 7, to strengthen the IDF. Its success is our success," added Defense Minister Katz.