6 combat zones and a major battle against politicians | What has IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir been through?

An interim summary of a year and a half in the role of IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir: operational achievements in six combat zones, including the setback of the Iranian nuclear program, operational control over 1,220 square kilometers in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria, and a decline in attacks in the West Bank. Alongside this, dealing with a political echelon attempting to politicize the military, a shortage of personnel and budgets, and American constraints.

An interim summary of a year and a half in the role of IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, since his appointment on March 5, 2025. The article describes six open combat zones, significant operational achievements against the enemy, alongside a containment battle against the political echelon. Among the achievements: setting back the Iranian nuclear program by at least five years in operations "With a Lion" and "Roar of the Lion," operational control over 1,220 square kilometers and 63 outposts in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria, the return of all hostages from Gaza, and a sharp decline in attacks in Judea and Samaria. Alongside this, Zamir faces four main constraints: a political echelon led by Netanyahu and Defense Minister Katz attempting to turn the IDF into a Likud center, elastic American constraints under the Trump administration, a severe shortage of combat personnel requiring repeated reserve mobilization, and a budgetary ceiling against Finance Minister Smotrich. The article notes a scorching failure in the fight against Jewish rioters in the West Bank, and an inability to prevent the establishment of illegal outposts backed by the government. Zamir set himself two main goals: returning the hostages and preparing the military for a confrontation with Iran.

6 combat zones and a major battle against politicians | What has IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir been through?