Israel Defense Forces Spokesperson Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari is set to retire from the military in the coming weeks.
The move, which comes almost two years after Hagari became the IDF's chief spokesman on March 29, 2023, was agreed upon with incoming Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, according to a statement on Friday.
Since October 7, Hagari has become the IDF’s public face, appearing across Western media and in IDF social media posts.
"The chief of staff wished to express his great appreciation to Rear Adm. Hagari for his years of significant combat service for the State of Israel," the IDF said, adding that Hagari served "during one of the most complex wars in the country’s history, in a professional and dedicated manner."
Most IDF spokespersons serve for two years, but some Israeli media have reported that Hagari was expected to be promoted instead of retiring.
Hagari, 48, has served in the IDF since 1995. He led the Shayetet 13 (Flotilla 13) naval commando unit from 2019-2021.
In June, Hagari told the Channel 13 News broadcaster that the government's goal of ending Hamas rule in Gaza can only truly be accomplished by putting in place a viable alternative.
Hagari claimed that "Hamas is an idea" and that, as such, "anyone who thinks it can be eliminated is wrong." He also said that the Iran-backed terrorist organization is "rooted in the hearts of the people" of Gaza.
In December, Defense Minister Israel Katz threatened disciplinary action against Hagari after he expressed in-uniform criticism of the "Feldstein Law," a bill making its way through the Knesset that would give immunity to all members of the security establishment who give classified files to the prime minister or defense minister.
