PROFILE: Who is Eyal Zamir, the only real  candidate to replace Herzi Halevi?

Israeli Defense Ministry Names Veteran Commander Eyal Zamir as Director-General

Maj. Gen. (ret.) Eyal Zamir, a decorated military leader with nearly four decades of service in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), has been appointed Director-General of Israel's Ministry of Defense. Ex-Defense Minister Yoav Gallant announced the appointment in January 2023.

Zamir, 58, brings extensive combat and leadership experience to the role. Before joining the Defense Ministry, he served as the IDF's Deputy Chief of Staff from 2018 to 2021. His military career included commanding the Southern Command during periods of tension along the Gaza border and serving as Military Secretary to the Prime Minister.

Rising through the ranks after joining the Armored Corps in 1984, Zamir led forces during several major operations, including the 2006 Lebanon War and multiple Gaza operations. He commanded key units including the 7th Armored Brigade and the 36th Division.

The Eilat native was among the final candidates considered for IDF Chief of Staff before the selection of Gen. Herzi Halevi. Zamir holds a political science degree from the University of Haifa and completed advanced military studies in Israel and France.

His appointment comes at a critical time for Israel's defense establishment, as the ministry manages both traditional security challenges and evolving regional threats.