The newly appointed IDF Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, officially assumed his position and, in keeping with longstanding tradition, visited the Western Wall this morning (Wednesday) alongside the outgoing Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi. They participated in a joint prayer service attended by Rabbi Shmuel Rabinovitch, the Rabbi of the Western Wall and Holy Sites, and Brigadier General Rabbi Eyal Krim, the Chief Rabbi of the IDF.
The two chiefs of staff recited Psalms and prayed for the safety of IDF soldiers and the security of the nation, offering a special prayer for the return of the hostages and missing persons. At the conclusion of their visit, they placed notes between the stones of the Wall and signed the guestbook of the Western Wall Heritage Foundation.
“for out of Zion shall the Torah come forth”
In the guestbook, the new Chief of Staff wrote: “Here at the Western Wall stood the foundations of the Jewish people and the Temple was built. We will act and believe in our strength to defend the Land of Israel, the homeland promised to all of Israel and the Jewish people. We offer prayers for the return of our hostages, for the well-being of those who protect our nation and our land—our soldiers and all security forces. “For out of Zion shall the Torah come forth… ”
Zamir’s visit to the Western Wall followed the official Chief of Staff transition ceremony at the Kirya military headquarters, where he assumed command from Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi. During the ceremony, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remarked: “Eyal, we have known each other for many years. Twice before, I recommended you for Chief of Staff, and now, for the third time, ‘the time of Zamir has come.’ We worked shoulder to shoulder over a decade ago when you served as the military secretary to the Prime Minister, and even then, I was deeply impressed by you.”
Later tonight at 10:00 PM, Zamir is set to convene a major personnel review in the Chief of Staff’s office, where decisions will be made regarding the appointments of approximately 60 senior officers at the ranks of Brigadier General and Colonel. These key appointments had been delayed due to disagreements between Defense Minister Israel Katz and the outgoing Chief of Staff.
First Move as Chief of Staff
Among the appointments under discussion are the Northern Brigade Commander of the Gaza Division, the Head of the Operations Department in the Operations Directorate, the Chief Military Police Officer, the Operations Officers of the Southern and Northern Commands, and the commanders of reserve and regional brigades in Judea and Samaria.
During his inauguration ceremony, Zamir outlined his vision of unity and commitment to victory in Israel’s ongoing military challenges. He emphasized his dedication to maintaining a strong and cohesive IDF, addressing security challenges, and restoring public trust in the military. His visit to the Western Wall and the note he placed there highlight his values-based approach and his belief that only through unity and strength can Israel overcome the security and national challenges ahead.
