IDF Weighs Replacing Tomer Bar as Air Force Chief

The IDF and Defense Ministry are considering replacing Maj.-Gen. Tomer Bar as commander of the Israel Air Force, with senior officials reportedly seeking a leader better suited to meet the looming threat of Iranian retaliation.

The leading candidate is Brig.-Gen. Omer Tischler, a high-ranking air force officer and former head of the Air Operations Command. Tischler is widely regarded as a capable strategist who has managed some of the IAF’s most complex missions.

Another strong contender is Brig.-Gen. Eyal “Greenie” Greenbaum, a former commander of Nevatim Airbase and also a past head of the Air Operations Command. According to sources within the air force, Greenbaum has been garnering support from influential retired officers.

Attention is also turning to the Israeli Navy, where Vice Adm. Eyal Harel, currently head of the IDF Planning Directorate, is the frontrunner for commander. Defense Minister Israel Katz has publicly praised Harel’s performance during the war and supports his promotion.

Some naval officers, however, have criticized the choice, pointing out that Harel has spent much of his career in staff roles rather than within the Navy. Others argue that his experience in building naval capabilities and overseeing operations makes him uniquely qualified. “The criticism is surprising,” one defense source said. “Harel’s appointment is expected to strengthen the Navy in every sense.”

Harel faces competition from Rear Adm. Tal Politis, the Navy’s current deputy commander, and Rear Adm. Guy Goldfarb, who serves as IDF liaison to the National Security Council.

If Harel moves to the Navy, the Planning Directorate will be led by Maj.-Gen. Hidai Zilberman, Israel’s current defense attaché in Washington. Zilberman has been praised for his role during the war, especially in navigating international arms embargoes. His family has already returned to Israel, fueling speculation about his successor in Washington.

Among possible candidates is Brig.-Gen. Guy Markizeno, currently Defense Minister Katz’s military secretary, who is said to have the minister’s confidence.

The uncertainty over appointments reflects Katz’s increasing involvement in IDF promotions. His surprising decision to appoint Maj.-Gen. (ret.) Yoram Halevi to head COGAT has already shaken traditional patterns of military advancement, and senior officials expect similar intervention in these upcoming moves.

As Israel braces for heightened threats from Iran and its proxies, leadership decisions at the very top of the air force and navy could play a decisive role in shaping the country’s readiness for the battles ahead.

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