IDF chief thanks outgoing spokesman Hagari for communicating war ‘with sensitivity and composure’

With Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin taking over as the new IDF spokesman from Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir says Hagari “was the one who delivered both the difficult and the good news to the public every evening, doing so with courage, sensitivity, and composure. I thank you for your significant operational service.”

Hagari served as IDF spokesman for the past two years and became a very familiar face in Israel for his frequent media briefings amid the war in Gaza and Lebanon. Hagari previously served in top positions in the Israeli Navy.

Defrin, 53, is a former commander in the Armored Corps and chief of the military’s international cooperation unit.

Zamir also wishes success to Defrin, saying he faces an important mission and expressing confidence in his success.

Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin, the head of the IDF’s international cooperation unit, in an undated official portrait. (Israel Defense Forces)