Zamir delivered the remarks at the change-of-command ceremony for the IDF military colleges at Camp Dayan in the Glilot base. Outgoing commander Maj. Gen. Nimrod Aloni will be replaced by Brig. Gen. Dan Neumann.
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IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir meeting with Defense Minister Israel Katz
(Photo: Shira Kinan, Ministry of Defense)
“At any time, but especially in wartime, the connection between the political and military levels is central to national security,” Zamir said. “Mutual trust and full cooperation are the key to success. Victory on the battlefield depends not only on military strength but also on inter-echelon cohesion. Only then can we ensure decisive outcomes and the resilience of the state afterward.”
The dispute with Katz erupted late Monday night when the minister accused Zamir of holding a personnel discussion “in violation of instructions” and said he “does not intend to discuss or approve any appointments.” The IDF said the Chief of Staff decides on appointments, which are then submitted to the minister for approval. The military later accused Katz of treating Zamir “as if he were a private,” calling the minister’s approach “unprecedented” and likening it to “extortion.”
Zamir also spoke about ongoing military operations in Gaza. He said the IDF is completing preparations to intensify its offensive in Gaza, aiming to collapse Hamas’ governance and military capabilities. He reaffirmed Israel’s goal of rescuing hostages and defeating Hamas, describing the war in the south as “among the most complex we have faced.”
Zamir also referenced Israel’s operations against Iran and its allies. “We struck Iran and its declared axis of destruction. We launched a preemptive war—intended to remove an emerging existential threat before it becomes real,” he said. “Thanks to Operation Rising Lion, the threat has been temporarily neutralized. Israel will not allow its enemies to grow in capabilities that endanger its existence and we will act again if necessary with the same power and lethality.”
Acknowledging the human cost, Zamir said 898 soldiers have died since Oct. 7. “The war takes from us the most precious—sons and daughters who fell defending the country,” he said. “I send my condolences to their families. Their memory is engraved in our hearts and their light will continue to guide us.”
Katz announced Thursday that a full plan to implement the cabinet’s decision to take Gaza City will be submitted to him for approval on Sunday. “The State of Israel is determined to defeat Hamas, free all hostages and bring the war to an end,” he said, adding that the IDF “will act as a single fist until the mission is complete.”
Zamir concluded his remarks by emphasizing the importance of strategic thinking and inter-echelon relations in national security. “Among the central issues is the inter-echelon relationship and interaction between the military and political levels,” he said.
