Guess Who’s Back in the War Room? Daniel Hagari Rejoins IDF Spokesperson’s Unit

Brigadier General (Res.) Daniel Hagari was recalled Yesterday to active duty as acting director of the IDF Spokesperson’s Unit, just three months after stepping down, to bolster communications efforts during Israel’s escalating conflict with Iran. At the request of his successor, Brigadier General Effie Defrin, Hagari has taken a behind-the-scenes role, managing operations at the IDF Media Operations Center (Hamad). Defrin remains the public face, delivering statements and representing the unit at General Staff meetings. The IDF confirmed Hagari’s return, stating, “Daniel Hagari is assisting the IDF Spokesperson’s Directorate, like many reservists who were called up following the launch of the operation, at the request of the IDF Spokesperson, Brig.-Gen. Effie Defrin.” Hagari is expected to serve for the duration of Operation Rising Lion, launched on June 13 to target Iran’s nuclear and military infrastructure.

Hagari, a former commander of the elite Shayetet 13 naval commando unit, became a trusted figure during the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack, which killed 1,200 and triggered the Swords of Iron war. His calm demeanour earned him public admiration, with children even dressing as him for Purim. During that crisis, Hagari enlisted his predecessor, Brigadier General (Res.) Ronen Manelis, to support the unit, a strategy he now mirrors. His March 2023 appointment as spokesperson followed a distinguished career, but his tenure ended abruptly in March 2025 when IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir opted not to promote him to major general, a decision the IDF called mutual but which sparked debate due to reported tensions with the Defense Ministry.

Hagari’s return underscores the urgency of the Iran conflict, which has seen 21 Israeli deaths and over 300 injuries from missile strikes. With 200,000 Israelis stranded abroad and 53 hostages held by Hamas, his expertise is vital for managing communications amid national turmoil.

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