The IDF Spokesperson, Brigadier General Daniel Hagari, one of the most recognizable faces of this war, is nearing the end of his current position. According to journalist Doron Kadosh, Hagari is currently being considered for two Major General-level positions in the IDF General Staff. On one hand, he is being considered as Israel’s Military Attaché in Washington, a role that would place him at the forefront of Israel’s most critical defense partnership. On the other hand, he may become the Head of the Strategy, Planning, and Iran Directorate, a position that would make him responsible for planning future strikes against the Shiite axis, particularly against its primary threat. IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi is expected to decide on Hagari’s promotion in the coming days.
Hagari has served in the IDF since 1995, when he enlisted as a fighter in Shayetet 13 (the Israeli Navy’s elite unit). He slowly rose through the ranks in the unit while simultaneously holding positions in the offices of former Chiefs of Staff Benny Gantz and Gadi Eizenkot, before being appointed commander of Shayetet 13 in 2019. In 2021, Hagari was awarded the Chief of Staff’s Citation, and in March 2023, he was appointed as IDF Spokesperson—a role that was supposed to be “calm” before advancing to a more significant position.
Calm, it was not: Since the outbreak of the war, Hagari has appeared in press conferences almost daily, and his face has become familiar in every Israeli home. He was tasked with providing guidance, warnings, and delivering both good and difficult news to the public. No IDF Spokesperson has ever faced such pressure, and it is clear that Hagari has redefined the role. Even the controversy surrounding his remarks two weeks ago, which led to a formal reprimand, has not diminished his chances of advancing.
