IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir outlines 2025 strategy in first General Staff meeting

The discussion outlined a robust agenda for 2025, with Zamir declaring it a "year of war" focused on Gaza, Iran, and consolidating gains across other fronts. Emphasizing the core value of "victory" in combat, he underscored the IDF’s unwavering commitment to securing decisive outcomes.

A central priority highlighted by Zamir was the moral imperative to bring all hostages home, with the IDF poised to take decisive action to achieve this goal. Looking ahead, he announced the development of a new multi-year plan (Tarash), set to begin in the second half of 2025, to strengthen military capabilities. Personnel changes included appointing Brig. Gen. Itzik Cohen as head of the Operations Directorate and Maj. Gen. Yaniv Asor as Southern Command commander, with Asor assuming his role next week. Additionally, Maj. Gen. (res.) Sami Turgeman was tasked with leading a team to review October 7 investigation findings, draw lessons, and recommend their implementation, reporting directly to Zamir with conclusions expected in the coming months.

Zamir committed the IDF to transparency and full cooperation with external oversight, adhering strictly to legal standards. The deputy chief of staff will also oversee force buildup, while the Strategy and Iran Division (Agas) will be dismantled within the month, redistributing its responsibilities to enhance efficiency on Iran-related issues, foreign relations, and strategy. Operationally, Zamir ordered an examination of disbanding the corps structure, instead activating the Ground Forces as an emergency corps, alongside establishing an additional tank brigade and exploring a new infantry brigade. He also directed the revival of disbanded armored reconnaissance companies (Palsar), with one potentially designated for ultra-Orthodox soldiers.

The Personnel Directorate will spearhead a support program for regular, career, and reserve soldiers’ families, backed by hundreds of millions of shekels. Symbolically, hostage photos will remain displayed in Zamir’s office until their return, reflecting the IDF’s resolve. These measures signal a strategic overhaul aimed at bolstering readiness and resilience amid ongoing conflicts.