Defense Minister Yoav Galant has appointed Major General (ret.) Eyal Zamir as Director General of the Israel Ministry of Defense

Defense Minister Yoav Galant has announced today (Monday, January 2) that he has appointed Major General (Ret.) Eyal Zamir as Director General of the Israel Ministry of Defense. Zamir will begin the role in the coming weeks following a transition of power.

Zamir will begin the role in the coming weeks following a transition of power procedure with outgoing Director General, Major General (ret.) Amir Eshel, and after completing the appointment procedure and obtaining government approval.

Eyal Zamir (57) served in the IDF for 38 years in various senior combat and command positions. After graduating from the IDF Junior Command Preparatory Boarding School, he began his military career in the Armored Corps in multiple command roles as a soldier and young officer during the first and second intifadas.

During his service, he served, among other positions, as a reserves Armored Corps commander, Commander of the 7th Armored Brigade, Commander of the 143rd Reserves Division, and Commander of the 36th Division.

He later served as the Commander of the Ground Forces and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's military secretary between 2012-2015. He then served as the Head of the Southern Command, where he led the efforts to thwart offensive terror tunnels penetrating from the Gaza Strip into Israeli territory and the fight against the riots on the Gaza border that began in April 2018.

During 2018-2021, Zamir served as Deputy Chief of Staff under Chief of the General Staff, Lt. Gen. Aviv Kochavi. During this period, he coordinated the implementation of the "Tnufa" multi-year plan and managed all military aid to the civilian sector during the COVID-19 epidemic and Operation "Guardian of the Walls".

Zamir has a bachelor's degree from Tel Aviv University in political science, a master's degree in national security and political science from Haifa University, and is a graduate of Wharton University's GMP- General Management Program.

Minister of Defense, Yoav Galant: "I would like to congratulate Major General (Ret.) Eyal Zamir, who will soon assume the position of Director General of the Israel Ministry of Defense. Zamir is one of the best IDF commanders of this generation. His service track record is impressive, and he has excelled in all his positions. I have known Eyal for many years as an outstanding commander and a high-quality leader: brave, level-headed, professional, and good-natured. I am convinced that his familiarity with the defense establishment will allow him to quickly integrate into the position.

My thanks and appreciation go out to the outgoing Director General, Major General (ret.) Amir Eshel, an esteemed officer, pilot, and former Air Force Commander. Amir has served the State of Israel in a unique way throughout many years of personal contribution.

Amir Eshel carried out his duties as Director General of the Ministry of Defense with professionalism and dedication. He deserves gratitude and deep appreciation for his achievements to advance the defense establishment on all levels."

Outgoing Director General of the Ministry of Defense, Major General (Ret.) Amir Eshel: "It is a great privilege to serve the State of Israel as Director General of the Ministry of Defense, a position that goes far beyond defense. In the past two and a half years, we have strengthened Israel's strategic position in the world, bolstered security relations with the US, and promoted R&D and procurement programs which will guarantee the IDF's qualitative military edge for many years to come. We initiated many processes to strengthen the relationship between security, the economy, and Israeli society, including the "Nefesh Achat" reform that led to a dramatic positive change already felt by disabled IDF veterans. These actions and many others were possible thanks to an exceptional body comprised of outstanding people - the Ministry of Defense. Eyal Zamir and I have known each other and have worked together for many years. I wish him great success and will be at his disposal." 

Incoming Director General, Major General (Ret.) Eyal Zamir: "I thank Defense Minister Yoav Galant for his trust in me, and I look forward to our joint work. The Ministry of Defense plays an essential role in developing the State of Israel's military, social, and economic strength. We will cooperate to strengthen the IDF, defense organizations, the defense industry, and Israeli society. I look forward to working with the people of the Ministry of Defense. After many years of working with them, I know them to be dedicated professionals led by a common mission. I congratulate Amir Eshel, the current Director General, for his contribution to Israel's security."