Our enemies have been defeated, their leaders buried beneath the rubble, says IDF chief of staff
According to the Jerusalem Post, Maj.-Gen. (res.) Eyal Zamir stressed the value of Israel's independence in defense manufacturing in his first remarks as the new chief of staff of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).
Zamir said Israel would manufacture its own weapons to maintain national security in the face of changing threats during a speech at the Defense Ministry on Sunday.
"We established a core mission: expanding our domestic 'Blue and White' production capabilities when I assumed this position, even before the war began," he stated.
As a "island nation" in terms of security, Zamir emphasized that Israel needs to create and produce its own military hardware instead of heavily depending on outside vendors. He emphasized that the necessity of self-sufficiency had been emphasized by the recent war.
Additionally, he stated, "Today, I extend that principle: Israel shall produce its own armaments through its own efforts, prepared to face any threat and any scenario." Zamir also spoke about the current state of the military, saying that Israel's security issues are far from resolved despite recent victories on the battlefield.
"The IDF has risen from the depths in this war, our enemies in every way have been vanquished, and their leaders have been buried under the debris, but the campaign is not over, and challenges remain ahead," he declared.
"We must never forget the heavy price paid in lives lost and wounded," he added, paying tribute to those who have given their lives.
The appointment of Zamir comes after departing IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Herzi Halevi announced his resignation on March 6. Halevi's resignation was primarily due to the military's October 7 failures.
With Zamir now entrusted with guiding the IDF through a time of increased regional tensions and internal military restructuring, his departure represents a dramatic change in Israel's military leadership.
Zamir's appointment was formally confirmed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz on Saturday, indicating strong government backing for his goal of an increasingly independent Israeli military.
Zamir's focus on homegrown military manufacturing is anticipated to be a key factor in determining Israel's defense strategy going forward.