This is the IDF's new spokesperson

Brigadier General (res.) Ellie Defrin is the IDF's new spokesperson, following his appointment by IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir and the approval of that decision today (Sunday) by Defense Minister Israel Katz.

Defrin was critically wounded during the Second Lebanon War in 2006, and continued to serve in the IDF's Tevel Foreign Relations Unit, responsible for the army's relations with foreign armies and international organizations, especially peacekeeping forces.

According to Army Radio reporter Doron Kadosh, Defrin had already retired from the IDF and been appointed the Deputy Marketing CEO for the Rafael defense company when Zamir asked him to put on the uniform again.

Reportedly, Defrin refused at first but after a number of meetings with the Chief of Staff, he decided to come back and become the army's official spokesperson.

The IDF said that Defrin "will replace the IDF spokesperson, Major General Daniel Hagari, soon, after a proper and professional handover.

"The Chief of Staff thanked Brigadier General Hagari for his impactful service as a soldier, commander of Shayetet 13 (Israeli Navy's elite commando unit), and IDF spokesperson during the war, and wished him success in the future."

Daniel Hagari served as the face of the IDF and the State of Israel throughout the entire war thus far, giving daily and sometimes twice daily briefings to the press. His measured, calm cadence even in the face of great tensions and harsh news regarding the hostages, IDF losses, and reports of what took place during October 7.

Hagari also often showed IDF discoveries such as tunnels and Hamas bases himself, wearing a helmet and giving reporters tours of these captured areas despite his height and high rank.

In addition to providing reports and updates on battles, hostages, and incidents, Hagari also gave long backgrounder videos explaining the IDF and the government's policy in general, especially around the time Israel decided to launch a ground invasion against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon.

The IDF also worked hard to create and release easy to understand graphic videos explaining the structure of Hamas hideouts and other terrorist infrastructure, and translate them quickly into English, under Hagari's guidance.