Bezalel Smotrich welcomes Eyal Zamir as new Chief of Staff

Bezalel Smotrich welcomed the decision of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz today (Saturday) to appoint Major General (res.) Eyal Zamir as the IDF's new Chief of Staff.

The hawkish Finance Minister said that he "wishes great success to Major General Eyal Zamir in his role as the next IDF Chief of Staff.

"Major General Zamir is appointed to his position during a historic period, and the people of Israel expect him to quickly lead the IDF to a dramatic change in security conception and to complete victory on all fronts.

"To achieve this, he will need to reassign many positions in the General Staff and appoint determined combat commanders of the victory generation to these roles.

"As Minister of Finance and as a member of the Security Cabinet, I will stand by his side and do everything to ensure, with God's help, that this will be the case."

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar also welcomed the new army chief, saying that he "welcomes the choice of Maj.Gen. (res.) Eyal Zamir to the role of the IDF's 24th Chief of Staff" and that he "wishes him great success in dealing with the great challenges he faces, that we face. Zionism will win!"

Itamar Ben Gvir, leader of the hawkish Otzmah Yehudit party, which left the government over the hostage deal, had this to say:

"I congratulate General Eyal Zamir on his appointment as the next IDF Chief of Staff and hope he will lead the IDF with an offensive approach of victory and defeating the enemy. This is the time to break free from past conceptions, restore deterrence, and act with a strong hand against terror. We will support every step that strengthens Israel's security. Good luck!"

Knesset Chairman Amir Ohana and Opposition MK Shelly Tal Meron also congratulated the new IDF Chief of Staff.