Torat Lechima: Eyal Zamir's appointment "a serious error"

The rightwing and pro-settler organization Torat Lechima issued a statement tonight (Thursday) attacking the decision by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz to appoint Maj.-Gen. (res.) Eyal Zamir, current Defense Ministry Director-General, as the IDF's next Chief of Staff.

In their statement, they said: "More of the same. A serious error by the Prime Minister and Defense Minister. Eyal Zamir sat for 9 years in the IDF General Staff Forum, including in Southern Command, and is deeply part of the conception.

"Eyal Zamir is a graduate of the progressive Washington Institute. Zamir wrote articles with distorted combat ethics, including abandonment of soldiers. It's no wonder that Amos Yadlin, the father of the conception, pushed for his appointment.

"Prime Minister Netanyahu appointed the conception's Chiefs of Staff: Shaul Mofaz, Benny Gantz, Gadi Eisenkot, Aviv Kochavi, and now continues on the same misguided path, instead of bringing in a galloping horse from the ranks of the victory generation full of Jewish identity and fighting spirit. We hope that at least worthy generals will be appointed, and a deep cleansing of the military system will be carried out. It's not too late yet."

Other figures on the right, both inside and outside the government, were far more congratulatory of the decision.

Bezalel Smotrich welcomed the decision of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz today (Saturday) to appoint Major General (res.) Eyal Zamir as the IDF's new Chief of Staff.

The hawkish Finance Minister said that he "wishes great success to Major General Eyal Zamir in his role as the next IDF Chief of Staff.

"Major General Zamir is appointed to his position during a historic period, and the people of Israel expect him to quickly lead the IDF to a dramatic change in security conception and to complete victory on all fronts.

"To achieve this, he will need to reassign many positions in the General Staff and appoint determined combat commanders of the victory generation to these roles.

"As Minister of Finance and as a member of the Security Cabinet, I will stand by his side and do everything to ensure, with God's help, that this will be the case."

Itamar Ben Gvir, leader of the hawkish Otzmah Yehudit party, which left the government over the hostage deal, had this to say:

"I congratulate General Eyal Zamir on his appointment as the next IDF Chief of Staff and hope he will lead the IDF with an offensive approach of victory and defeating the enemy. This is the time to break free from past conceptions, restore deterrence, and act with a strong hand against terror. We will support every step that strengthens Israel's security. Good luck!"