New PM military secretary and Washington attaché join IDF General Staff

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has elevated two officers to influential positions within its General Staff, signaling a strategic reinforcement amid ongoing regional tensions. Maj.-Gen. Guy Markizeno assumes the role of the prime minister's military secretary, a critical liaison between the political leadership and the military.

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The strategic alliance between the United States and Israel is one of the central pillars of Israel's security and of stability in the Middle East.

Markizeno, who previously served as military secretary to the Defense Minister, steps into a role vacated by Roman Gofman, who is moving to become the director of the Mossad. IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir described the military secretary as the "ambassador of the General Staff's thinking to the prime minister, and the ambassador of political requirements to the General Staff."

Concurrently, V.-Adm. Tal Politis has been appointed as the new defense attaché in Washington. Politis, a former Navy SEAL and deputy head of the Israel Navy, replaces Maj.-Gen. Hidai Zilberman. This position is vital for maintaining the robust strategic alliance between the U.S. and Israel, which Defense Minister Israel Katz described as a "central pillar of Israel's security and of stability in the Middle East."

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The prime minister's military secretary serves as the "ambassador of the General Staff's thinking to the prime minister, and the ambassador of political requirements to the General Staff."

Katz highlighted the deepening ties between the two nations under the current leaderships. Brig.-Gen. Arik Ben-Dov was thanked for temporarily filling the attaché role during a significant period. Additionally, Brig.-Gen. Barak Hiram has been appointed head of the IDF Operations Directorate’s Operations Division, a position often viewed as a stepping stone to higher command.

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I want to thank the one who filled the attaché's place during this period and did so well, Brig.-Gen. Arik Ben-Dov, and express appreciation to the entire attaché team in Washington for its contribution during this unique period.