New IDF chief Zamir orders recheck of Oct. 7 probes, dissolving Iran directorate, placing photos of hostages in office

The new IDF Chief of Staff, Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, holds a first assessment this evening with the General Staff Forum, making a series of decisions, including appointing an external panel of experts to evaluate the military’s October 7 probes, closing the IDF’s Iran directorate, and the formation of a new tank brigade.

During the meeting, Zamir states that 2025 will be a year of war, with a focus on the Gaza Strip and Iran, while “preserving the achievements and deepening them in the other arenas.”

Zamir tells the generals that returning the hostages is “a moral duty,” and the IDF will act to return all of them home.

The new IDF chief announces the beginning of a new multi-year plan for the military, the planning of which will start in the second half of this year.

Maj. Gen. (res.) Sami Turgeman, a former head of the Southern Command, is appointed by Zamir to head a panel that will examine the IDF’s October 7 investigations, and draw conclusions and lessons that can be implemented. The team will present its findings to Zamir in the coming months.

Zamir says the IDF will also work in “transparency and in full cooperation” with any external investigatory body.

Zamir’s deputy, Maj. Gen. Tamir Yadai will also serve as “chief of force build-up,” the new IDF chief decides.

Zamir has ruled to close the Strategy and Third-Circle Directorate — which is tasked with the military’s Iran file — in the coming month and disperse it among other units while “improving effectiveness in addressing Iran, foreign relations, and strategy.” The unit was established only in 2020 by former chief of staff Lt. Gen. (res.) Aviv Kohavi.

The IDF chief has instructed to evaluate shuttering the General Staff Corps and instead activating the Ground Forces as a corps in emergencies.

Zamir, who began his service in the Armored Corps, instructs the formation of a new tank brigade and the evaluation of a new infantry brigade.

He also instructs to reestablish the Armored Corps’ patrol companies, which were shuttered several years ago, as well as evaluate making one of the companies for ultra-Orthodox troops.

Lastly, Zamir has decided to place the photos of hostages in his office until they are returned.