Born and raised in Eilat, Zamir previously served as Director-General of the Ministry of Defense and as Deputy Chief of Staff. He will assume his new role on March 6.
From Military Academy to Defense Ministry Director
Zamir, 59, was born on January 26, 1966, in Eilat to his late father, Shlomo, and his mother, Yaffa Zamir (nee Abadi). He is the eldest of three siblings. He is married to Orna and is the father of three: Uri, a tank company commander; Roni, a former operations officer in the elite Golani Reconnaissance Unit; and Itai, a high school student.
A graduate of the prestigious Military Academy for Command, Zamir enlisted in the Armored Corps in 1984. He excelled in tank commander training and progressed through various command roles, serving as a company and battalion commander in the 75th Battalion of the 7th Armored Brigade in the security zone of southern Lebanon. Later, as the commander of the 7th Armored Brigade, he led numerous offensive operations in Gaza, particularly in the Dir al-Balah and Khan Yunis sectors.
A Proven Combat Record
Zamir participated in both the First and Second Intifadas. During Operation Defensive Shield, he commanded an armored brigade in the capture and clearing of terrorist strongholds in Jenin’s casbah. He later commanded two armored divisions—Fire Formation and Ga’ash Division—and served as Chief of Staff for the IDF’s Ground Forces during Operation Cast Lead in 2009.
In 2012, Zamir was promoted to the rank of Major General and later served as the Military Secretary to the Prime Minister, including during Operation Protective Edge. From 2015 to 2018, he commanded the Southern Command, overseeing military operations against Hamas in Gaza. Between 2018 and 2021, he served as Deputy Chief of Staff.
Ensuring Strategic Readiness and Continuity
Since 2023, Zamir has served as Director-General of the Ministry of Defense. From the outset, he prioritized enhancing Israel’s defense manufacturing independence, strengthening the domestic arms industry, and securing key military resources. Following the outbreak of the Iron Swords War, Zamir defined his department’s primary mission: ensuring the IDF’s operational endurance and functional continuity during prolonged multi-front conflicts.
Strengthening the IDF Amid Ongoing Conflict
Zamir spearheaded the establishment of an AI and autonomy directorate, overseeing global procurement and logistics operations, including aerial and naval transport. He also led a major reform in the rehabilitation of wounded soldiers, addressing the unprecedented scale of injuries from recent conflicts. Additionally, he founded a new division for reservist affairs, implementing support packages and resilience programs for service members.
Senior IDF officials widely support Zamir’s appointment, citing his extensive experience and strategic foresight in security, economic, and diplomatic spheres. His absence from the military during the October 7 attacks has also contributed to public confidence in his leadership.
Security Doctrine: “The Unexpected Is Expected”
In a 2007 article in the IDF’s Maarachot military journal, Zamir outlined his counterterrorism philosophy, which has gained significant relevance in light of recent events. He asserted that “the entire terrorist ecosystem, including its ideological leadership, is part of the terror mechanism, making all individuals within it legitimate targets in the war on terror.” He further argued that “from a moral standpoint, civilian populations that serve as logistical support and provide ideological backing to terrorist activities cannot be absolved of responsibility.”
In his farewell speech as Deputy Chief of Staff, Zamir emphasized the necessity of preparing for unforeseen scenarios: “Military operations can evolve in unexpected ways—or rather, we must expect the unexpected. The IDF is approaching a critical threshold in force structure, facing threats far more complex than those of recent years.”
“The Right Choice to Rebuild the IDF”
Announcing the appointment, the Prime Minister’s Office declared: “Zamir is the right choice to restore the IDF’s strength.” Senior military officials echoed this sentiment, saying, “The IDF is in good hands. Zamir will bring order, professionalism, and a long-term strategic vision.” Outgoing IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi welcomed the decision, stating that he would ensure a smooth transition in the coming weeks.
The handover is scheduled for March 6, with Zamir expected to introduce innovative doctrines aimed at reshaping the IDF’s capabilities to confront evolving security challenges in the years ahead.
