Katz appoints outgoing IDF deputy chief as Defense Ministry’s next director-general
Maj. Gen. Amir Baram to enter civilian role in coming weeks; Tamir Yadai to replace him as deputy under incoming chief of staff Eyal Zamir
Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian is The Times of Israel's military correspondent
Defense Minister Israel Katz on Wednesday appointed outgoing IDF Deputy Chief of Staff Maj. Gen. Amir Baram as the next director-general of the Defense Ministry.
Baram will enter the role in the coming weeks, upon concluding his tenure as deputy chief of staff at the end of this month, Katz’s office said.
His appointment still needs to be approved by the cabinet.
He will be replacing acting Defense Ministry director-general Itamar Graf, who took up the position just weeks ago because the former director, Maj. Gen. (res.) Eyal Zamir, was tapped as the next IDF chief of staff.
Baram, Zamir, and a third general, Maj. Gen. Tamir Yadai, were named by Katz as potential successors to outgoing IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi.
Zamir was chosen as IDF chief, and Yadai was selected as his deputy — replacing Baram — leaving Baram without a role.
“Amir Baram is experienced in managing large defense systems, while effectively interfacing with the relevant civilian systems,” Katz’s office said.
Last month, Baram asked to end his role as Halevi’s deputy at the end of February as initially scheduled.
Katz said Baram “brings with him extensive experience in the IDF’s force build-up, including in matters of procurement, defense industries, budget, infrastructure construction, and international-strategic cooperation with the US and other countries.”
“I am convinced that in this period when the defense establishment is facing major challenges, Amir Baram will be able to make a decisive contribution to establishing the IDF’s strength and advancing its missions, and to enabling the IDF to be a victorious army that dominates the various fronts and maintains the security of the State of Israel,” he added.
Baram, in a statement, said he thanked Katz for the appointment. “I see the position of director-general of the Defense Ministry as a great privilege and a tremendous commitment to continue security work to increase the State of Israel’s power, especially in the face of the multitude of challenges in this era,” Baram said.
Baram began his service in the Paratroopers Brigade. He rose through the ranks and went on to command the brigade in 2011, and the 98th Division — an elite formation of paratroopers and commando units — in 2013.
Between 2019 and 2022, Baram served as head of the IDF Northern Command, before being appointed as deputy chief of staff under former chief of staff Lt. Gen. (res.) Aviv Kohavi and later Halevi.
Zamir is set to become IDF chief of staff on March 5.
