Eyal Zamir has been appointed as Israel’s new Chief of General Staff. This appointment signals a significant shift in the country’s strategic priorities and military tactics. Experts suggest that his appointment could push Israel toward a major regional war, according to Turkey’s news outlet TRT World.
Zamir, a former Director General of Israel’s Ministry of Defense, has replaced Herzi Halevi. Halevi resigned after accepting responsibility for military and intelligence failures during the Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023.
Under normal circumstances, the appointment of a chief of staff might not carry such political significance. However, in Israel, such appointments are scrutinized closely, not only because of the military’s deep ties to politics but also because many former chiefs of staff, such as Ehud Barak, Benny Gantz, and Gadi Eisenkot, have transitioned into political careers.
Beyond political implications, Zamir’s appointment is seen as both an effort to cover up Israel’s failures on October 7 and a preparation for a more aggressive and conventional military campaign in the Middle East. During the war in Gaza, Zamir was a key planner of Israel’s military operations. He advocated for a prolonged ground offensive instead of relying primarily on airstrikes.
Between 2015 and 2018, Zamir served as the head of the Southern Command, overseeing intense military operations in Gaza, including airstrikes and violent crackdowns on Palestinian border protests. He has strengthened Israel’s military capabilities, secured arms deals, and expanded local arms production.
His appointment comes at a critical time—not only amid a fragile ceasefire in Gaza but also against the backdrop of increasing Israeli military aggression in the West Bank. Israel has systematically undermined ceasefire efforts by introducing new demands at every stage while intensifying deadly operations in Palestinian cities like Jenin and Nablus, resulting in numerous casualties.
Zamir’s family settled in Palestine in the 1920s during the British Mandate, having migrated from Yemen. His grandfather, Aharon, was a member of the Irgun, a Zionist organization responsible for terrorist attacks against British forces and Palestinian civilians. This group later evolved into the Likud Party, which is currently led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Zamir was previously blocked from being appointed Chief of General Staff in both 2018 and 2022. His close association with Netanyahu made him unpopular within Israel’s military establishment.
However, beyond his political ties, Zamir’s appointment is significant for another reason: it signals a shift in Israel’s strategic priorities. For nearly five decades, almost every Israeli Chief of General Staff, except one, has come from the paratroopers or special forces. Zamir, however, comes from the armored corps.
His approach suggests a fundamental change in Israel’s military doctrine. His emphasis on armored divisions and reduced reliance on air power is not just seen as a tactical adjustment but rather a strategic realignment—one that prepares the military for prolonged and intense warfare across the Middle East.
Following Israel’s humiliating failures in the 2006 Lebanon War, Zamir was among the top-level commanders responsible for retraining Israel’s military leadership. That war exposed weaknesses in Israel’s ground operations, shaping his views on military preparedness.
In his first speech after being appointed, Zamir declared 2025 as the “year of war.” His statement not only indicates an escalation against Palestinians but also hints at Israel’s broader regional ambitions. His emphasis on military self-reliance suggests preparations for prolonged conflicts beyond Gaza—possibly extending to Lebanon, Syria, or even Iran.
Beyond battlefield strategy, Zamir is also a vocal supporter of collective punishment against Palestinians. Like former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and former National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, he has publicly endorsed depriving Palestinians of essential resources.