Israel’s next military chief, Eyal Zamir, will take command of the IDF at a pivotal moment after a prolonged war. With the army facing some major changes, Zamir’s background positions him as the right military leader for the challenges ahead.
Deep Procurement and Defense Industry Expertise: Zamir currently serves as Director of the Defense Ministry and played an instrumental role in overseeing the procurement of weapons and military gear throughout the war.
His deep familiarity with the acquisition process—understanding tradeoffs, navigating bureaucratic obstacles, and securing critical supplies—will be crucial as the IDF embarks on a large-scale military buildup.
With Israel having to replenish and modernize its arsenal, Zamir’s expertise in defense procurement gives him an edge in ensuring that the IDF acquires the right capabilities efficiently and strategically.
Ground Forces and Armored Corps Specialist: A former Armored Corps officer and senior commander, Zamir’s experience is particularly relevant given the IDF’s pressing need to strengthen its ground forces.
For years, Israel prioritized its air and intelligence capabilities while under-funding and sidelining its armored and infantry forces. The October 7 war underscored the necessity of revitalizing these capabilities.
Zamir’s expertise in armored warfare and ground operations positions him as the ideal leader to oversee a much-needed transformation, ensuring the IDF has the firepower, mobility, and tactical flexibility required for future conflicts.
Untainted by October 7 Failure: Unlike the current IDF General Staff, which was in place during the October 7 disaster, Zamir was not part of the military’s leadership echelon at the time.
As a result, he is uniquely positioned to initiate reforms without excessive baggage or being hindered by personal stakes in past decisions.
The failure to prevent and respond effectively to the attack has severely damaged public trust in the military’s top brass, and Zamir’s appointment offers a fresh start. He will have the authority and legitimacy to implement structural changes, hold senior officers accountable, and rebuild confidence in the IDF’s leadership.
Overall, Zamir’s tenure as Chief of Staff will be largely defined by the military’s response to the lessons of October 7 and the IDF’s post-war restructuring. His defense expertise, deep knowledge of ground operations, and clean slate from recent failures make him a strong choice for the role.
