Major General Amir Baram, the Deputy Chief of Staff of the IDF, has formally requested to conclude his position in February 2025, citing the reduced intensity of the war and his limited ability to contribute in the current circumstances.
In a letter to IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi on Friday, Baram outlined his decision to step down after serving in the role since October 2022. The announcement comes after he had already extended his tenure beyond the traditional two-year term at the request of military leadership during the height of the current conflict.
"Several months ago, at your request and in coordination with the Defense Minister, I extended my term by an additional six months because I believed it was appropriate and right to accept the request in light of the intensified war," Baram wrote in his letter. He noted that on December 18, he had requested a meeting to discuss concluding his role.
Explaining his decision, Baram pointed to several factors: "The intensity of the war has significantly decreased, and I feel that under the current circumstances my ability to contribute as Deputy Chief of Staff is limited." He added that he had no intention of serving "three or four full years" in what would amount to a double term.
Baram, who previously served as head of the IDF Northern Command before assuming his current position, has been one of the military's most senior officers throughout the October 7, 2023, attack and its aftermath. In his letter, he indicated potential future aspirations within the defense establishment, stating, "Of course, in the future, I will be ready to fulfill any role required of me within the defense establishment" – a statement some interpret as suggesting his potential interest in the future Chief of Staff position.
The IDF Spokesperson's Unit confirmed that Halevi and Baram had discussed the matter, stating, "The Chief of Staff expressed his appreciation for the Deputy's significant contributions during the war and in general." The military added that Baram "will fulfill any role he is required or asked to undertake."
When he concludes his position in February 2025, Baram will have served two and a half years as Deputy Chief of Staff, marking the end of an extended tenure that spanned one of the most significant periods in recent Israeli military history.
While friction between the military's top two commanders isn't new, Baram's claim that he was denied even a basic exit meeting with his superior takes the conflict to new levels. In his letter, Baram specifically accuses the Chief of Staff of restricting his role.
Defense analyst Yossi Yehoshua notes that this public display of no confidence in Israel's Chief of Staff is unprecedented in wartime.
"What are our combat soldiers meant to make of this?" Yehoshua writes.
Israel National news and Kikar HaShabbat contributed to this article.
0 Comments