Brig. Gen. Barak Hiram enters role as head of IDF’s Operations Division

By Emanuel Fabian

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23 June 2026, 11:06 am

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Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian is The Times of Israel's military correspondent

Incoming Operations Division chief Brig. Gen. Barak Hiram speaks at a ceremony, marking his entry to the role on June 22, 2026. (Israel Defense Forces)

Brig. Gen. Barak Hiram enters the role of head of the IDF’s Operations Division, following the sudden departure of the previous commander due to a scandal.

Hiram previously commanded the Gaza Division. Before that, as commander of the 99th Division, Hiram was known for his controversial actions in the battle at Kibbutz Be’eri during the October 7, 2023, onslaught, including decisions that risked the lives of hostages. An IDF tactical investigation has since cleared him of any wrongdoing.

He replaces Brig. Gen. Yisrael Shomer, who suddenly stepped down as Operations Division head this month and retired from the military after being suspected of an illicit relationship with a subordinate officer.

The Operations Division is tasked with coordinating and formulating plans for war, emergencies, and routine operations, along with directing the various branches of the military regarding the deployment of troops. The unit, which is based out of the IDF’s main underground command center at the Kirya headquarters in Tel Aviv, is also tasked with formulating IDF recommendations for approval by Israel’s political leadership.