On 5 March 2025, Eyal Zamir assumed the position of Chief of the General Staff of the Israel Defense Forces at a ceremony held at the HaKirya command center in Tel Aviv. His appointment followed a career that transitioned through key tactical command roles and high-level administrative positions within Israel's defense establishment.
Early Military Development
Born in Eilat on 26 January 1966, Zamir entered the Military Command Boarding School in 1980. He began his service in the IDF in 1984, specifically choosing the Armored Corps. After progressing through platoon and company commander roles in the 500th and 460th Brigades, he served as operations officer for the 7th Armored Brigade from 1992 to 1994. In 1997, he completed studies at the École Militaire in France.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Command and Staff Roles
Zamir held several critical field commands throughout the 2000s and 2010s. He commanded the 656th Brigade and the 7th Armored Brigade before leading the 36th Division starting in 2009. He served as the Military Secretary to the Prime Minister from 2012 to 2015. Later, he took charge of the Southern Command from 2015 to 2018. Following his tenure as Deputy Chief of Staff from 2018 to 2021, he briefly worked as a visiting research fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy.
Ministry of Defense and Chief of Staff
In January 2023, Zamir became the director general of the Ministry of Defense. Following his appointment as Chief of the General Staff in 2025, he oversaw the offensive codenamed Gideon's Chariots and the June 2025 Operation Rising Lion, which targeted Iranian facilities. In 2026, he led Operation Roaring Lion, a joint military effort with the United States. During his tenure, he has publicly challenged political legislation regarding military service requirements.
Fast facts
- Born: 26 January 1966, Eilat
- Current Rank: Rav aluf
- Education: Tel Aviv University, University of Haifa, The Wharton School
- Military Entry: 1984
- Appointed Chief of the General Staff: 5 March 2025
- Spouse: Orna Zamir
Questions readers ask
What is Eyal Zamir's educational background?
He holds a bachelor's degree in political science from Tel Aviv University, a master's degree in national security from the University of Haifa, and is a graduate of the GMP program at The Wharton School.
Did Zamir serve in the Ministry of Defense before becoming Chief of Staff?
Yes, he served as the director general of the Ministry of Defense from January 2023 until his appointment as Chief of the General Staff in March 2025.
