Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir
Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir is the 23rd Chief of the General Staff of the Israel Defense Forces, serving since March 2025. A former Director-General of the Ministry of Defense and Armored Corps commander, he is currently directing Israel's multi-front military response against the Iranian regime and its proxies.
Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir assumed command of the IDF in March 2025, succeeding Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi during a period of profound strategic transition. His tenure has been defined by the ongoing 'War of Redemption,' characterized by high-intensity operations in Lebanon and the long-term demilitarization of the Gaza Strip. Zamir brings a unique background to the role, having served as the Director-General of the Ministry of Defense prior to his appointment, providing him with deep insight into the intersection of military procurement, industrial capacity, and operational requirements. Under his leadership, the IDF has moved to institutionalize lessons from the conflict, most notably through the establishment of a dedicated Robotics and Drone Corps. Zamir has characterized this as a generational shift in warfare, aiming to position Israel as a global leader in autonomous attack and defense systems across all dimensions. His command has also faced significant domestic friction. This includes public clashes with Defense Minister Israel Katz over senior military appointments and the promotion of officers involved in the events surrounding October 7. Zamir has recently utilized administrative maneuvers to bypass ministerial vetoes on personnel, such as appointing blocked officers to 'project manager' roles that do not require cabinet-level approval. Additionally, his leadership has been a focal point for social tensions regarding Haredi conscription, leading to unprecedented verbal attacks from some sectors of the Haredi community. Despite these challenges, Zamir remains focused on what he describes as a 'significant strategic crossroads,' advocating for a substantial expansion of the military's ranks to meet the demands of a multi-front reality.