Inauguration ceremony for Israel's new army chief

Eyal Zamir took over on Wednesday as the 24th chief of the Israel Defense Forces, warning that Israel's multi-front conflict would be ongoing and vowing to strike its enemies with "tremendous force."

Zamir assumed his new role during a change-of-command ceremony at the Kirya military base in Tel Aviv following government approval of his appointment on Feb. 16.

He succeeded Herzi Halevi, who resigned in January after admitting his failure to defend Israelis during the Hamas-led attack on Oct. 7, 2023. Zamir, a former director general of the Defense Ministry, joined the military in 1985 and became a tank commander the following year. He later served as commander of the Southern Command and as deputy chief of staff.