Israel's New Military Leader Assumes Command, Promises Aggressive Defense

Synopsis

Eyal Zamir has officially taken command as the 24th Chief of the Israel Defense Forces, warning of an ongoing multi-front conflict and pledging to respond to threats with overwhelming force. His appointment comes at a critical time for Israel amid rising tensions and military operations.

Key Takeaways

Eyal Zamir appointed as 24th IDF Chief.
Promises to strike enemies with tremendous force.
Focus on absolute victory over Hamas.
Shift towards increased domestic ammunition production.
Emphasizes Israel's constant existential threats.

Jerusalem, March 5 (NationPress) Eyal Zamir officially became the 24th Chief of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on Wednesday, emphasizing that Israel's ongoing multi-front conflict is far from over and pledging to retaliate against its adversaries with “tremendous force.”

Zamir, 59, took on his new role during a change-of-command ceremony at the Kirya military base in Tel Aviv, following the government’s endorsement of his appointment on February 16.

He replaces Herzi Halevi, who resigned in January after acknowledging his inability to protect Israelis during the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led assault.

A former Director General of the Defence Ministry, Zamir joined the military in 1985 and became a tank commander the year after. His career includes serving as the Commander of the Southern Command and as Deputy Chief of Staff.

During the ceremony, Zamir’s wife, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and Defence Minister Israel Katz, adorned Zamir with his new ranks.

Netanyahu expressed that Zamir’s primary objective is to secure “absolute victory” over Hamas. “We are in the midst of a prolonged campaign,” Netanyahu stated. “As I promised, we have changed the face of the Middle East, and more is yet to come.”

He also mentioned that Zamir is part of a strategic shift aimed at boosting domestic ammunition production to lessen dependency on imports. This comes as several nations, including Israel’s close ally, the United States, have previously placed restrictions on specific ammunition types, including heavy bombs, due to the significant civilian casualties resulting from Israeli airstrikes in Gaza.

Zamir steps into this role at a critical juncture, with the future of a tenuous ceasefire with Hamas, effective from January 19, remaining uncertain amid escalating violence from a large-scale military operation in the northern occupied West Bank and rising tensions with Iran, viewed by Israel as its primary adversary, Xinhua news agency reported.

“I recognize the immense responsibility that has been placed on my shoulders,” Zamir stated during the ceremony. In a combative address, he declared that Israel is engaged in a “war of existence” and committed to “strike with tremendous force at anyone who seeks to harm the State of Israel and its citizens.”

Zamir stressed that Israel’s survival demands an ongoing struggle in “a hostile environment” throughout the Middle East. “Israel faces a constant, fundamental existential threat. Surrounded by ruthless enemies who seek our destruction, we must continue to strengthen and fortify the ‘iron wall,’” he urged, calling for enhanced military support and an increased defense budget.