As tensions persist in the West Bank, the Gaza Strip, Lebanon, and with Iran, Walla learned on Wednesday that IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir met with the General Staff Forum on Monday regarding the continued development of the IDF's robotic instruments.
At the outset of the meeting, Zamir emphasized that “today’s force development is tomorrow’s victory.”
He noted that the IDF’s current force structure is the product of decisions made years ago, and that the military must therefore deepen its force development efforts, plan at least three years ahead, and adjust its budgets accordingly.
Deputy Chief of Staff Maj.-Gen. Tamir Yadai then spoke about internal and external processes. According to several generals present at the meeting, his presentation was unclear and raised questions, particularly given expectations that he would demonstrate greater involvement in force development processes.
The meeting lasted approximately three and a half hours, longer than planned.
Procurement of tanks, armored vehicles increased since Zamir took office
Since taking office, Zamir has made a series of decisions, including upgrading the Armored Corps and Combat Engineering Corps, establishing reserve brigades, carrying out large-scale purchases of armored vehicles, accelerating the production of tanks and various types of armored personnel carriers, and increasing the integration of autonomous tools in air and land operations.
The chief of staff placed particular emphasis on robotics in the air and on land, and soon at sea as well. In his view, an autonomous systems branch should be established.
One of the important decisions was not only to retain the Multidimensional Unit, which integrates advanced weaponry, but to expand it so that it can serve as a technological engine for the entire IDF.
Walla learned that the robotics unit in the Technology and Logistics Directorate was instructed to increase procurement while working with the Defense Ministry to accelerate robotic developments.
Additional classified issues were also discussed during the lengthy meeting.
Changes made to force development
The 96th Division, commanded by Brig.-Gen. Oren Simcha, is receiving significant attention from the General Staff as it builds the David Brigades and reserve combat battalions.
The effort includes the procurement of JLTV armored vehicles, weapons, and military equipment for both daytime and nighttime operations. Brig.-Gen. Simcha, who is slated to assume command of the 162nd Division in the future, was commended for establishing the reserve battalions, advancing training and qualification programs, and bringing the units into operational service beyond the Planning Directorate's expectations.
The establishment of the Ramon Brigade, a reserve infantry brigade built around veterans of the Givati Brigade, is progressing. The brigade is expected to come under the responsibility of the Sinai Division in Southern Command next month. Its creation provides the Operations Directorate with an additional force as it seeks to increase operational flexibility after nearly three years of high-intensity combat.
The 38th Division, commanded by Brig.-Gen. Sharon Altit, who is in contention to command the West Bank Division, was established in 2026 as part of the lessons learned from October 7 and the need for additional maneuver divisions in a multi-front conflict. The division includes Bahad 1, the Squad Commanders School, the Armored Corps Training Brigade, the Combat Engineering School, the Artillery Corps' Fire Brigade training center at Shveta, and the Border Defense School.
A new Combat Engineering battalion has been established within the Givati Brigade. The Ground Forces intend to continue strengthening the Combat Engineering Corps by procuring specialized weaponry, expanding reserve forces, and acquiring support equipment for a range of missions that have proven their effectiveness, including destroying underground infrastructure, establishing military outposts, and maneuvering deep inside enemy territory.
The Hashmonaim Brigade currently plays a highly important role in the IDF's operational activity and in advancing reserve force development. The chief of staff expressed satisfaction with the performance of the brigade's commanders and with its measured recruitment process, which is receiving close support from the Personnel Directorate.
The IDF and the Defense Ministry are making a joint effort to advance procurement deals for fighter aircraft, aerial refueling aircraft, attack helicopters, and advanced munitions.