Katz Names Druze General Hisham Ibrahim as Defense Ministry Military Secretary

Defense Minister Israel Katz announced Sunday the appointment of Brig. Gen. Hisham Ibrahim as his new military secretary, filling one of the most sensitive liaison roles between Israel's military and political echelons.

Ibrahim, a member of the Druze community, has served most recently as head of the Civil Administration in Judea and Samaria and is considered one of the IDF's most highly regarded senior officers. His extensive ground forces background includes serving as chief armored corps officer, commanding the 460th Armored Training Brigade and the 205th Reserve Brigade, and serving as deputy commander of the 91st Galilee Division on the northern border.

Katz formally notified IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir of the appointment, congratulating Ibrahim and expressing confidence that he would excel in the role, particularly given what the minister described as an exceptionally challenging security period for Israel.

The appointment comes after the defense minister also interviewed Maj. Gen. Yair Palai, commander of the 210th Division on the Golan Heights, and Maj. Gen. Guy Levy, commander of the 98th Division, for the position. Ibrahim, who was the chief of staff's preferred candidate, was ultimately selected. The future assignments of Palai and Levy within the senior command remain unclear.

The ministry said the appointment takes effect immediately, with Ibrahim beginning his transition into the role without delay.