On Wednesday morning, a formal ceremony took place at the “Kirya” military headquarters in Tel Aviv to mark the transition of leadership in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). Eyal Zamir officially stepped into his role as the new Chief of Staff.
The event was attended by senior military officials, Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu, and other dignitaries. As part of the proceedings, Zamir received the rank of Lieutenant General, signifying his new position as the head of the IDF.
Zamir assumes command from Herzi Halevi, who officially concluded his tenure on Wednesday.
Reflecting on his time in service, Halevi addressed those present: “On October 7th, at 06:29 in the morning, everyone came, the IDF was one… We operated, as always, out of responsibility for the security of the State. When the state you love so much is in danger, there is no place you would rather be than where I was, to lead and to influence. I would have preferred to prevent it. I would have preferred, of course, that none of this had happened. This was under my watch, and what happened is my responsibility, and I bear and will bear it forever.”
Halevi continued, emphasizing his sense of duty: “In the name of responsibility, I also end my role. Of the great words, many of which have been spoken, but their meaning is in the eyes of the beholder. I see responsibility as a matter of values, not of law. Values are higher than laws. I have always felt my responsibility as the commander of the military, particularly on the day of Simchat Torah. This will stay with me forever. The responsibility to the citizens, to the commanders and soldiers who fought valiantly and did not return, to those who waited for the IDF that did not arrive, to the wounded, to all of the hostages.”
Looking back at his career, Halevi added, “For four decades, I was responsible for some of the achievements that occurred before October 7th and also after – important actions that we took, my subordinates and I. I have always examined responsibility from me downward. I have always believed in backing my people, in teaching and mentoring – to make mistakes, to rise, and to go forward, commanding from the front.”
He issued a powerful directive for those in service, stating, “From now on, every officer and commander must see themselves as if they were personally present on October 7th. This is how we must remember, learn the lessons, and act to ensure that such a day never happens again in the history of the nation.”
He acknowledged the scale of the failure on that day, noting, “For many years, the IDF stood firm in its missions. On October 7th, the IDF failed. There was a deep failure here, but it is not correct that such a failure of this magnitude will only be inquired by the IDF and the ISA. The IDF is part of a system of national priorities, it receives policies and operates according to them. The establishment of a state commission of inquiry is necessary and essential – not to place blame, but first and foremost, to understand the root of the problems and allow for correction.”
Halevi stressed the ongoing nature of the war, declaring, “The war is not over. Victory is a necessary goal, but victory is not achieved by words alone.” He underscored the need for perseverance, saying, “We must not stop.”
He further emphasized the critical mission of securing the return of the captives, asserting, “We must do everything to bring back the hostages, all of them, both the living and the deceased – this is an essential part of victory.”
Turning to Zamir, he offered words of encouragement: “Eyal, the IDF is a strong and powerful army. The IDF is also a national army, and this is its strength – in its steadfast and independent stance. It does not belong to a person, but to the nation. Many great and worthy individuals have held this significant position before me. It was my privilege, and now it is yours. Many challenges lie ahead of you, and I believe and know you will overcome them.”
He urged Zamir to always keep the events of October 7th at the forefront of his thoughts: “Keep October 7th in your mind every day, every hour, as you lie down and as you rise. I appreciate you, Eyal, and wish you a successful path, filled with meaningful achievements.”
Concluding his remarks with a deeply personal reflection, he said, “I have never liked the spotlight. I have always preferred the depth of the night, to walk quietly, whisper into the communication device, and think clearly. I am now passing on the command. If you ever need a soldier for a dark night, I am yours, always.”
Zamir then took the podium, addressing his fellow soldiers: “Soldiers of the IDF, my fellow combat soldiers – from your ranks I emerged, and to your ranks I return.”
He recognized those serving across different units, stating, “To you, the tank crews in the ranks of our tanks, the soldiers of the reconnaissance battalions, the infantry soldiers, the combat engineers, and the bulldozer operators in the alleyways; to the artillery positions, the field observers on the borders, our pilots in the skies, and our naval captains at sea.”
Highlighting their sacrifice, he continued, “You – the combat soldiers in active duty, career service, and the reserves – bear the greatest burden on your shoulders. You are the vanguard of Zionism and the defenders of the Jewish people. My fellow combat soldiers, through your courage and sacrifice, you have been and remain the force that drives change for the IDF and Israeli society. We will make every effort to strengthen you. The entire IDF will work for you, the combat soldiers. We are all united in one shared and sacred mission – defending the nation, achieving victory in battle, and achieving decisive outcomes in war.”
Taking on the weight of his new position, Zamir declared, “I assume command of the IDF today with reverence and humility. I am fully aware of the immense responsibility placed upon me. This duty is unlike any other, as it is a moment of historical reckoning.”
Recalling the tragic events of October 7th, he remarked, “On the morning of October 7th, the IDF failed in its mission. The border was breached. Our enemies infiltrated our communities, massacring our babies, children, our women, our brothers. Out of this devastation, the people of Israel rose, once again proving their resilience and unity in a time of trial. Civilians and soldiers alike initiated contact, charged into battle, and fought — some as individuals, others in small units — even at the cost of their own lives. They proved to us that we are brothers and sisters.”
He outlined the IDF’s ongoing efforts, stating, “The IDF has achieved remarkable successes on the battlefield. We have won battles in Gaza and Lebanon. We struck further than ever in Yemen and Iran. The murderous terrorist organization Hamas has suffered a severe blow, but it has not yet been defeated. The mission is not yet complete.”
Honoring the victims, he declared, “We will never lose sight of the memory of our sons and daughters, the beautiful, the pure-hearted, as they fled for their lives from a music festival in an unplowed field, hunted down by predators. We will engrave in our hearts entire families, the terror-stricken gazes of children and their parents, slaughtered and burned — in Nir Oz, Be’eri, Kfar Aza, and Nahal Oz, in Netiv Ha’asara, Sderot, and Ofakim. We will never forget the cries for help, pleading, in the face of the merciless, demonic evil of the murderers.”
He vowed, “We will not forgive, we will not forget. This is an existential war. We will persist in our campaign to bring our hostages home and to defeat our enemies. The mission placed upon me from this day forward is clear: to lead the IDF to victory. As it is written in the Book of Psalms: ‘I pursue my enemies and overtake them, and I do not turn back until they are destroyed.’ In full cooperation with all security forces, we will strike with overwhelming force against anyone who seeks to harm the State of Israel and its citizens.”
He emphasized the IDF’s strength, stating, “The IDF is the best army in the world because it is made up of the best soldiers and commanders in the world, in active duty, career service, and the reserves. Its people are its open secret, the IDF’s greatest strength. They are equipped with an unbreakable spirit, faith, and unwavering determination that is irreplaceable.”
Turning to his predecessor, Zamir acknowledged Halevi’s leadership: “LTG Herzi Halevi, Sharon, and your family, I would like to thank you for decades of service to the State of Israel.”
He concluded with a pledge: “To the soldiers of the IDF and their commanders, I salute the flag and embark on the mission of my life, the mission of our lives. The Lord will give strength to His people, the Lord will bless His people with peace.”
{Matzav.com}