IDF's Daniel Hagari bids farewell, vows to stay committed to Israel

Hagari, who has served in the IDF for 30 years, announced that he would step down in the coming weeks, following an agreement with IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir.

In a personal message to his team, Hagari expressed deep appreciation for his colleagues, saying, "It's important to me to tell you that I really, really, love you. This month marks 30 years of service in the IDF, during which I always placed the State's security and the task as my highest priorities. That is what I will continue to do." He also emphasized the importance of professionalism and continued dedication, stating that the team would "remain governmental, professional, and strengthen the public's trust and the truth."

The decision for Hagari to step down came after a period of great challenge for the IDF, particularly during one of the most complex wars in Israel's history. Despite the pressures, Hagari’s leadership and professionalism were consistently praised, particularly for his role in maintaining communication and ensuring the IDF’s voice was heard during difficult times.

While Hagari is stepping down from his position as spokesman, he made it clear that the mission is far from over. He noted, "The war is not yet over, and the hostages in Gaza are at the forefront of our consciousness—as an ethical and important goal like no other."

In a statement following Hagari's decision, Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir expressed immense gratitude for his years of service, highlighting his dedication during the challenging times of the ongoing conflict. The IDF also released a statement, lauding Hagari for his professionalism and commitment during a pivotal moment in Israeli history.

As Hagari transitions out of his role, the IDF continues its mission with a strong sense of duty, while acknowledging the difficulties faced during these tumultuous times.