Chief of Staff

Northern border:

IDF focused on fighting against Hezbollah

'IDF attacking of Hezbollah's facilities inside Lebanon, before they attack us,' says Chief of Staff, Herzi Halevi.

Chief of Staff:

Protest at Sde Teiman endangers state security

The Chief of Staff condemned the intrusion into the Sde Teiman base and clarified that he supports the military prosecution and the Military Police: "It is their duty, regardless of rank or position."

A hard look at Benny Gantz's military tenure

War Cabinet member Benny Gantz's past decisions as CoS and Defense Minister have had lasting impacts on the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and Israel’s strategic military posture. What were some of them?

Chief of Staff:

'Outstanding soldiers - Go forth and succeed!'

The Chief of Staff spoke at the annual ceremony for the President to recognize outstanding soldiers.

Chief of Staff on Yom Hashoah:

'These days, we are in a war where, at its onset, we failed'

IDF Chief of Staff in statement in honor of Holocaust Memorial Day: "While we fight our just war, let this memory be the source of our strength, and a reminder of the importance of maintaining a protective force for our people."

Chief of Staff:

Hamas reorganizing in northern Gaza

The Chief of Staff and other security officials warn that without a civilian plan for the future, the IDF will lose its achievements in northern Gaza.

Chief of Staff:

'After Gaza - we'll know what to do in Lebanon'

Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi to soldiers: "After what you have done, there is no village in Lebanon that you cannot enter and take apart."

Watch:

IDF Chief of Staff and Shin Bet Director visit Gaza Strip

Chief of Staff Halevi and Shin Bet Director Bar held a joint situational assessment on the battlefield in Gaza.

Chief of Staff:

'We are ready at any moment to launch an attack in the north'

IDF Chief of Staff assessed the 210th Division stationed on the northern border: 'We trust you that the defense here is strong.'

IDF Chief of Staff:

'The best soldiers are now operating in Gaza'

Chief of Staff, LTG Herzi Halevi: 'The objectives of this war require a ground operation - the best soldiers are now operating in Gaza.'

Chief of Staff:

'Hamas will regret starting war; it's already regretting it'

Chief of Staff, Herzi Halevi: 'Demolishing Hamas' is one of the main goals of this war.'

Chair of the NATO Military Committee visits Israel

Chief of the General Staff Herzi Halevi: “It is of great importance to explain throughout Europe the security challenges in the region.''

Chief of Staff:

'Women in combat units is risky, with little chance of success'

Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi wrote a professional opinion opposing the introduction of women into the IDF's elite units.

IDF elite units open to women

Chief of Staff: Operational success will be our test

IDF spokesman: This should not be our endurance test, where different sectors of the public says they will not enlist.

Netanyahu and Gallant back Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi

A joint statement by the Prime Minister and Defense Minister dismisses the recent criticism of Israel's Chief of Staff.

Former Deputy Chief of Staff: 'We must pressure the government'

Yair Golan says that the main struggle for the IDF is to prevent Israel becoming a dictatorship.

Chief of Staff: 'Public discourse is dangerous to IDF'

Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi commented that the current public discourse on the judicial reform could significantly weaken the IDF.

Former Chief of Staff condones blocking roads in protest

Former Chief of Staff Dan Halutz said it was legitimate to block roads "and other crimes" to protest the judicial reform.

As reservist protests continue, IDF chief meets new recruits

Israeli military's chief of staff meets new recruits, emphasizes army's unity and discipline as reservists' protest continues.

Shabbat B'Shabbato for Parshat Bo

Religious Zionists of America brings you special features, divrei Torah on the Parasha - and a quiz.

'I wanted him to be a rabbi' -

Former IDF chief describes mother's reaction to his appointment

"My traditional upbringing enables me to see things more clearly," says Gadi Eizenkot.

Watch: What you didn't know about Israel's new army chief

A changing of the guard in the IDF as incoming chief of staff is a religious father of four from a 'settlement' in Samaria?

With approval of Defense Minister:

New Chief of Staff to meet Smotrich

Major General Herzi Halevi to meet Thursday with Smotrich, who also serves as a Minister in the Ministry of Defense.

IDF Chief of Staff meets US National Security Advisor

US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan to Chief of Staff Aviv Kochavi: Biden committed to ensuring Iran never acquires a nuclear weapon.

Chief of Staff to soldiers:

'Thanks to your efforts, terrorist attacks are being prevented'

IDF Chief of Staff visits scene of shooting attack in which IDF soldier Noa Lazar was murdered. Manhunt for terrorist continues.

Chief of Staff: PA inability to govern leading to terrorism

IDF Chief of Staff Aviv Kohavi says part of the reason for the increase in terror attacks is lack of governance in PA-controlled areas.

Report:

Netanyahu refused consultation with Gantz on new Chief of Staff

Defense Minister's office approached opposition chairman's office several times to invite him to a meeting on the matter, but was refused.

Op-ed:

CoS Kochavi unwittingly erodes confidence in all of the IDF

Kochavi's harsh immediate reaction to a video of haredi soldiers beating Arabs was unadvised. There are two sides to this story.

Netanyahu to Benny Gantz:

'Don't appoint a new Chief of Staff during an election period'

Opposition leader to Minister of Defense: "The candidates are excellent, but this appointment must be made away from any political context."

Historic visit: IDF Chief of Staff lands in Morocco

The Chief of the General Staff, LTG Aviv Kohavi, landed this evening (Monday) for his first official visit to the Kingdom of Morocco.

IDF Chief of Staff:

'Preparing military option against Iran is a moral obligation'

Aviv Kochavi says the IDF continues to prepare vigorously for an attack on Iran and must prepare for any development and any scenario.

Cleared for publication:

Chief of Staff to visit Morocco

IDF Chief of Staff will visit Morocco, marking the first time that an Israeli Chief of Staff has visited the country.

IDF Chief of Staff honors Islamic festival

The Chief of the General Staff Visited Druze and Bedouin Communities in Honor of Eid al-Adha.

Gantz and Bennett clash over Chief of Staff appointment

Prime Minister is interested in interviewing the three candidates for the position, and clarified to Gantz: I will not be a rubber stamp.

Sabbath desecration

2 weeks later, Chief of Staff apologizes

Kochavi had given a press conference on the Sabbath & forced religious soldiers to pose for a photo with him.

IDF Chief of General Staff meets with U.S. Ambassador to Israel

The Chief of the General Staff, LTG Aviv Kohavi, meets for the first time with the U.S. Ambassador to Israel, Mr. Thomas Nides.

Why are two IDF generals in the U.S. 'in-between' appointments?

Both are waiting to find out if they'll be appointed the next Chief of Staff - and meanwhile, receiving a full IDF salary.

'We will not rest until the last of the terrorists are captured'

Chief of Staff at Naval Academy graduation ceremony: The IDF will defend the border with the Gaza Strip from any attack against Israel.

President and Chief of Staff to visit USA

At the invitation of President Joe Biden, Israeli President Rivlin will visit the United States for a farewell address.

After years: Knitted kippah returns to IDF General Staff

IDF Chief of Staff and DM decide to appoint observant Brigadier General Eliezer Toledano to Southern Commander, rank of Major General.

After two years: Commission of inquiry into paratrooper's death

Chief of Staff orders commission of inquiry into death of Ron Eliyahu Oved from in bus accident during formation of brigade.

Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff in Israel: Happy Hanukkah

General Mark Milley, who is visiting Israel, lights eighth candle of Hanukkah with IDF Chief of Staff Aviv Kochavi.

Weapon theft in north: Lieutenant colonel will be dismissed

Hiram Deputy Commander, officer with rank of Lt Col, and two other officers will be dismissed following theft of 38 weapons from brigade HQ.

White House: 5 more countries considering Israel deals

WH Chief of Staff says 5 more countries seriously considering normalization deals, 3 of which are 'in the region.'

Gantz: 'Hamas will suffer a very severe blow'

Minister of Defense outlines the IDF's course of action after a meeting with IDF Chief of Staff Aviv Kochavi

Chief of Staff on COVID-19: We learn, research, and draw lessons

IDF holds coronavirus learning forum: 'We prepare for second wave in hopes it won't come.'

Mass breach of Health Ministry guidelines on Tel Hashomer base

In a picture circulated on social media, hundreds of soldiers can be seen sitting together in close quarters

'Chief of Staff must denounce justifying attacks on soldiers'

'Certain professors promote agenda qualifying Hamas actions to say we deserve terror because we conquered.'

12th child born to President's Chief of Staff

Rivka Ravitz today celebrates Brit for 12th child along with husband Yitzhak Ravitz who serves as Kiryat Yearim Council head.

Kohavi to top brass: Planning a clear victory

The chief of staff to set up a workshop to discuss the IDF's strengths, with aim of achieving a clear victory in war.

New appointments by IDF Chief of Staff Kochavi

Recently-minted IDF Chief of Staff Aviv Kochavi selecting his first commanding posts as head of the army.

Chief of Staff grants US Central Command head IDF medal

Gen. Joseph Leonard Votel granted medal of appreciation for his work in furthering the partnership between the Israeli and US armies.

It's official:

Aviv Kochavi appointed 22nd IDF Chief of Staff

Kochavi to enter office December 31, replacing Gadi Eizenkot. His deputy will be Major General Eyal Zamir.

General Eyal Zamir to be deputy IDF chief of staff

General Eyal Zamir to be appointed deputy IDF chief of staff. Zamir was seen as Netanyahu's favorite for military's top job.

IDF Chief of Staff nomination submitted to committee

Defense Minister Liberman calls Deputy Chief of Staff Maj. Gen. Aviv Kochavi 'most suitable candidate' to be next IDF Chief of Staff.

Report: Netayahu didn't approve Chief of Staff appointment

Reports say Liberman's recommendation to appoint Maj. Gen. Aviv Kochavi as chief of staff was not coordinated with the prime minister.

IDF Presents: What it takes to be a great leader

What does it take to become a great leader? Current and past chiefs of the IDF General Staff give their answers.

Committee appointments to advance senior officials approved

Tourism Minister recommendations for Advisory Committee for Appointing Senior Officials unanimously approved by government.

Is the IDF woefully unprepared for war?

Amid fight between Chief of Staff and IDF's Ombudsman over military's readiness, State Comptroller debates opening probe of his own.

The non-leftist general

Journalist Haggai Huberman expresses support for Major General Nitzan Alon as candidate for Chief of Staff.