New Chief of Staff Zamir and the Strategic Future of the IDF

As Israel and the IDF stand at a crossroads, a new Chief of Staff takes command. On March 5, 2025, General Eyal Zamir assumed leadership of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) during a period of increased security concerns. Following the October 7 Hamas attack and a prolonged multi-front war, his leadership will shape Israel’s military doctrine, focusing on force restructuring, operational adaptability, and a shift in combat priorities.

A Leadership Transition Amidst Crisis

Zamir replaces Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi, who resigned after intelligence failures left Israel unprepared for Hamas’s assault. The incident exposed critical security gaps, reminding us of the aftermath of the 1973 Yom Kippur War, when the Agranat Commission led to major military reforms and resignations by senior commanders. Like that period, today’s IDF faces demands for restructuring to restore public trust and operational effectiveness for the next decade of conflicts.

His appointment coincides with the IDF’s preparation for renewed military action in Gaza, heightened Hezbollah rearming in Lebanon, and Iran’s nuclear breakout looming closer than ever. Unlike Halevi, who focused on multi-domain defense and intelligence-driven precision strikes, Zamir prefers a return to decisive ground force engagements and large-scale maneuverability to counter evolving threats.

Reassessing Military Strategy

Zamir is leading a significant shift in IDF doctrine, moving away from air power strategies toward a more balanced integration of ground forces and mechanized warfare. While Halevi emphasized targeted operations and intelligence-driven precision strikes, Zamir believes the lack of sustained ground force capability has weakened Israel’s ability to decisively defeat its enemies.

To address this, Zamir has announced:

• The establishment of a new armored division and possibly a new infantry division, increasing the IDF’s capability for prolonged engagements.
• A return to large-scale combined arms operations, ensuring that infantry, armor, and artillery work together to seize and hold territory.
• An emphasis on securing logistical infrastructure, preparing for drawn-out campaigns rather than quick-strike operations.

This shift reflects the lessons from the 2006 Lebanon War, where over-reliance on airstrikes left IDF ground forces underprepared for prolonged combat against Hezbollah’s entrenched positions. Although past IDF leadership recognized these issues, reforms were never fully implemented. Zamir’s approach seeks to finally correct these longstanding strategic gaps.

Strengthening Multi-Theater Readiness

While Zamir’s focus is on rebuilding ground capabilities, he is in no way ignoring other domains. His doctrine emphasizes a more integrated use of land, air, and cyber operations, ensuring that no single domain dictates battlefield strategy. Air power will still be a key element, but it will function as a force multiplier supporting ground maneuvers rather than as the primary strike force. Besides that, intelligence coordination will shift toward real-time tactical support for frontline forces, rather than being used primarily for precision-targeted strikes.

Zamir is also expected to expand preemptive strikes against Iranian influence in Iraq and Lebanon, particularly against Hezbollah’s evolving rocket and drone capabilities. His leadership could lead to a more proactive deterrence posture, potentially including deeper operations beyond Israel’s borders. Clashes between Syria’s new regime and the Druze militias in Jaramana may present the first major challenge, where Israel could seek to establish a de facto demilitarized zone south of Damascus.

Restoring Public Trust and Military Cohesion

Beyond battlefield tactics, Zamir must rebuild public confidence in the IDF. The October 7 attack shattered the perception of Israeli military superiority, leading to widespread calls for change. While the IDF achieved many operational successes in the summer and fall of 2024, many Israelis are unhappy that Hamas was not defeated after 15 months of armed conflict.

Another major challenge is the issue of military service exemptions for ultra-Orthodox Jews. Zamir supports “equal burden-sharing,” potentially increasing their enlistment. Such a move would have significant political and societal implications, affecting Israel’s national identity and civil-military relations.

Conclusion: A New Military Doctrine

Eyal Zamir’s appointment signals a doctrinal shift for the IDF. His leadership moves away from a precision-strike-first mentality toward a more balanced, maneuver warfare-focused approach, ensuring Israel’s military is ready for long, sustained conflicts. His tenure will reshape how Israel will fight in Gaza, Lebanon, and beyond, defining the next era of Israeli military strategy. Whether through operational shifts, force restructuring, or strategic deterrence, Zamir’s ability to modernize the IDF while strengthening Israel’s security will define his legacy.