Former GOC Southern Command Maj. Gen. Eyal Zamir will be the next Israel Defense Forces deputy chief of general staff, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Thursday. It was one of Netanyahu's first decisions since also taking on the defense minister's portfolio following the resignation of Avigdor Lieberman a week ago.
Zamir's appointment was expected, as he was Netanyahu's preferred choice for the job after having served under him as military secretary. Zamir was also the preferred candidate of incoming IDF Chief of Staff Maj. Gen. Aviv Kochavi.
"Zamir is an accomplished and well-respected officer who will help the next chief of general staff lead the IDF to new heights," Netanyahu said in his announcement.
Outgoing IDF chief, Lt. Gen. Gadi Eizenkot, also welcomed Zamir's appointment and made a congratulatory call.
"Zamir is an officer who has many accomplishments, who served in combat service as a fighter and as a commander in important positions. He has the skills needed for success in doing this important job and in contributing to the IDF," the IDF Spokesperson's Unit said in a statement.
Several months ago, when Netanyahu and then-Defense Minister Lieberman began deliberating on their choice for the next IDF chief of staff, Netanyahu reportedly favored Zamir, but Lieberman wanted another officer. This resulted in the decision being delayed until they settled on Kochavi.
Lieberman then chose to announce their decision when Netanyahu was on a secret visit to Oman, and when Netanyahu arrived back, he congratulated Kochavi but stressed that Zamir would likely be his deputy. Lieberman reacted angrily to this statement, saying the identity of the next deputy chief of general staff would be decided jointly.
However, ultimately, it was Netanyahu who made the decision on his own. Netanyahu became defense minister last week after Lieberman resigned in protest of the way the prime minister handled the latest hostilities in Gaza.
Zamir, 52, began his military service in 1984, when he was drafted into the Armored Corps. He later became division commander and GOC Southern Command, military secretary to Netanyahu during part of his premiership, as well as chief of staff to GOC Army Headquarters, which oversees the logistical and strategic aspects of the ground forces.
Serving as deputy chief of staff makes Zamir an automatic candidate for succeeding Kochavi in several years. Zamir is expected to take a leave of absence after serving about half of his term so that he can pursue an advanced degree.
GOC Southern Command Maj. Gen. Herzl Halevi is expected to take his place during his absence. This puts Halevi in a better position to become chief of staff too, because he would be on active duty when the decision is made.
Former GOC Central Command Maj. Gen. Nitzan Alon was also considered for the post of chief of staff and deputy chief of staff. Having been passed over, he is now likely to quit the IDF. On Thursday, Netanyahu issued a statement thanking him for "the many years he contributed to the IDF and Israel's security."
