IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir said Monday that Israel is entering a critical interim phase, with diplomatic negotiations underway across several fronts as a direct result of the military’s achievements since the Oct. 7 massacre.
Speaking at an operational forum attended by senior IDF commanders and officers from the rank of lieutenant colonel and above, Zamir said the army must now ensure that Israel fully capitalizes on the gains made during the prolonged multi-front war.
“We are in a significant period and at a strategic crossroads,” Zamir said. “Diplomatic negotiations are currently underway across all of the main arenas. All of these are the result of the IDF’s historic achievements.”
The forum included a multi-front operational and intelligence assessment, discussion of future operations, and presentation of case studies and lessons learned from fighting across the various arenas.
Top Israeli commanders attend an operational forum on August 10, 2026. Photo: IDF Spokesman
Zamir stressed that the IDF remains a fighting military whose task is to shape events rather than be driven by them. He said the army is currently well prepared defensively, but must maintain immediate readiness to resume high-intensity combat if necessary.
“Alongside the desire to allow the troops time to recuperate, we must not lose our vigilance,” he said. “We are required to maintain a high level of readiness, be prepared for a rapid return to high-intensity combat, respond quickly to any development, and continue to defend our civilians.”
The IDF chief praised commanders and soldiers from across the military, saying the achievements of the war belong first to the troops on land, at sea and in the air, as well as those serving in intelligence, communications, logistics and administration.
“Together, you led the IDF to significant achievements and changed the security reality,” Zamir said.
US CENTCOM chief Adm. Brad Cooper (left) and IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir on stage at the IDF operational forum. Photo: IDF Spokesman
During the forum, Zamir also hosted US CENTCOM Commander Adm. Brad Cooper, who reviewed the strategic partnership between the IDF and the US military. Cooper described the relationship as historic, built on trust, commitment and close cooperation, and said it plays a major role in regional security and stability.
Zamir thanked Cooper for the cooperation and called the US-Israel military partnership “unprecedented” and a strategic anchor.
The chief of staff concluded that Israel’s challenge is not only to preserve its gains, but to keep shaping the battlefield, build new capabilities and prepare the IDF for every scenario.
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