Israel’s military announced on Sunday that Brigadier General Effie Defrin has been appointed as the new spokesperson for the Israel Defence Forces (IDF), succeeding Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari.
Hagari, who became a well-known figure since the Israeli destruction of Gaza continued in October 2023, is set to step down after his term ends in March.
Defrin, who has a distinguished military career, was a tank battalion commander and was wounded during the Second Lebanon War in 2006.
He has since held several key roles, most recently serving as the head of the IDF’s International Cooperation Division.
Hagari’s tenure as IDF spokesperson saw him frequently addressing the media and public, often multiple times a day.
However, his departure comes amid reports that he decided to leave after being denied a promotion by Israel’s new chief of staff, Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir.
Hagari’s statements during Israel’s continuous destruction of Gaza, particularly his comments on the inability to eliminate Hamas, led to some criticism from the Israeli government.
In December, he apologised for criticising a bill aimed at protecting soldiers who disclose classified information to the prime minister.
