IDF spokesman Hagari to retire from military, in move widely seen as dismissal
New IDF chief Zamir doesn’t promote popular wartime spokesman after his 2-year tenure; presumed Katz wouldn’t sign off on advancement; he had sought to be next defense attaché to US
Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian is The Times of Israel's military correspondent
The Israel Defense Force’s chief spokesman, Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, is to end his role in the coming weeks and retire from the military, the IDF announced on Friday.
The move was “agreed upon” with new IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, the military said, though it has been seen as a de facto dismissal, as Hagari was not given a promotion for his work as IDF spokesman during the war.
Most IDF spokespersons serve for two years in the role. Hagari entered the position in March 2023 and was expected to leave that role regardless at around this time. However, he had hoped to have been promoted to the rank of vice admiral and be appointed as Israel’s defense attaché to the United States.
Being promoted also would have put him on track to potentially head the Israeli Navy — where he had previously served — or another senior role on the General Staff.
“The chief of staff wished to express his great appreciation to Rear Adm. Hagari for his years of significant combat service for the State of Israel. Rear Adm. Hagari performed his role as IDF spokesman during one of the most complex wars in the country’s history, in a professional and dedicated manner,” the military said.
Despite being a popular spokesman among the public, the political echelon, especially Defense Minister Israel Katz, clashed with Hagari. It is thought that Katz would not sign off on promoting Hagari.
A comment he made last June saying that Hamas could not be destroyed drew a sharp retort from the office of Prime Minister’s Office. He was rebuked in December for criticizing a bill that could protect intel leakers.
Following Friday’s announcement, Hagari sent a message to his subordinates.
“Dear members of the unit, at the start of my words it is important for me to say that I love you all very much. This month, I mark 30 years of service in the IDF, during which I have always put the security of the country and the mission first, and I will continue to do so,” the message read.
“The chief of staff and I have agreed that I will end my role in the coming weeks and retire from the IDF. We will continue to remain dignified, and professional, and work to strengthen the public’s trust, and truth,” Hagari said.
“The last two years have been challenging for all of us. I had the privilege of commanding a great unit with the best people. I had the privilege of standing up in front of the public in difficult times, while you work around the clock,” he continued.
“The war is not over yet, and the hostages in Gaza are always in front of our eyes, as a goal of unparalleled value and importance,” Hagari added.
Zamir was expected to promote a senior officer from the Ground Forces as the next IDF spokesman.
Among the names that have been brought up as potential successors is Col. Benny Aharon, a former commander of the 401st Armored Brigade, who led his unit during months of fighting in the Gaza Strip.
Hagari was the latest in a line of career military officers to command the IDF Spokesperson’s Unit, ending a previously common practice of naming civilians with a deep background in journalism or communications for the role.
Hagari, who is married and has four children, has served in the military since 1995, mostly in the Navy’s elite Shayetet 13 unit.
From 2012 to 2014, he served as then-chief of staff Benny Gantz’s office manager, and from 2016 to 2019, he served as an assistant to then-chief of staff Gadi Eisenkot, before returning to become the commander of Shayetet 13.
Hagari served as head of naval operations before becoming IDF spokesman.
