IDF Chief of the General Staff LTG Eyal Zamir on Thursday called for expanding the IDF and broadening the number of Israelis serving, while stressing the need to care for troops, reservists, career personnel, and IDF employees.
Zamir made the comments at a recognition event for IDF troops and security forces organized by the State Employees’ Union and led by its chairman, Ofir Alkalay.
The event was also attended by Head of the IDF Manpower Directorate MG Dado Bar Kalifa and additional representatives.
During the event, Zamir received an award of appreciation for IDF troops on behalf of the State Employees’ Union. He stressed that he was accepting the recognition not personally, but on behalf of those serving in the military.
“First and foremost, I would like to say that I accept this shield with great humility, but in truth, it is not for me, and I am certainly not the focus here today," Zamir said.
“I stand here solely as the commander of hundreds of thousands of troops and officers-both in mandatory service and the reserves-who carry the security of the state on their shoulders every day, hour by hour."
He added that the recognition belonged to the reservists who left their homes, families, and careers to report for duty, as well as to their families and to the fallen and wounded.
“I am merely the representative of an entire military that operates with dedication, determination, and humility, and I accept this recognition in their name and because of them," he said.
Addressing the ongoing war, Zamir said that Israel has been engaged for more than a thousand days in “a prolonged, unprecedented, and multi-front campaign for our existence and our homeland."
“Throughout the war, we have severely damaged the capabilities of all our enemies-each individually and all of them together," he stated.
Zamir said the campaign began with the failure of October 7 and that the IDF has since removed threats that had been built up against Israel over the course of years.
“We have proven that the IDF’s long arm is powerful, determined, and capable of reaching anywhere to strike those who seek to harm us," he said.
According to Zamir, the IDF has fundamentally changed its security doctrine.
“There is no ignoring and no containment; there is the removal of threats before they materialize. We are engaged in a continuous process of learning, drawing lessons and implementing them."
The Chief of Staff also stressed the need to increase the military’s manpower and capabilities in light of its missions.
“We must expand the IDF, broaden the pool of those serving, and equip it with the necessary manpower and advanced capabilities to meet its expanding missions," Zamir said.
“At the same time, our highest obligation is to care for those who serve in the IDF-mandatory service personnel, career service personnel, reservists, and IDF employees-who are the foundation of our strength and the secret to our power."
Zamir paid tribute to the current generation of IDF troops, describing them as “courageous and fearless" and saying their achievements “will be recorded in the annals of Jewish history."
He cited the example of Maj. Shilo Har-Even, a company commander in the Golani Brigade who fell in battle at the Nahal Oz outpost. Zamir noted that Har-Even continued fighting alongside his soldiers even after he was wounded, until he was killed.
“The IDF is the people’s army, and those in the civil service are servants of the people," Zamir told those present. “In my view, this is the profound meaning of the partnership between us."
Concluding his remarks, Zamir quoted from the Rosh Hashanah prayer: “‘Bring joy to Your land and gladness to Your city.’"
“These ancient words serve as a moral and operational compass for us," he said. “The joy of our land and the gladness of our city are not to be taken for granted-they are earned every day through courage, determination, and endless dedication."
Following the ceremony, Zamir visited an exhibition presented at the event paying tribute to IDF Chiefs of the General Staff throughout the years.