Israel will produce its own weapons, enabling it to face any threat, incoming IDF chief of staff Eyal Zamir said in a first speech on Sunday since his appointment to the role.
Zamir called for Israel to be more self-reliant. "When I assumed this position, even before the war began, we established a core mission: expanding our domestic 'Blue and White' production capabilities," he said.
"As a [metaphorical] island nation, we have no alternative. We have strengthened our industry and economy to unprecedented levels. This war has demonstrated that we must be self-reliant.
"Today, I extend that principle: Israel shall produce its own armaments through its own efforts, prepared to face any threat and any scenario," he further noted.
'The campaign is not over'
He further stated, "In this war, the IDF has risen from the depths – our enemies in all arenas have been defeated, their leaders buried beneath the rubble, but the campaign is not over, and challenges remain ahead."
"We must never forget the heavy price paid in lives lost and wounded," he added.
On Saturday, Defense Minister Israel Katz and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Defense Ministry Director-General Maj.-Gen. (res.) Zamir will be the next IDF chief of staff, replacing Lt.-Gen. Herzi Halevi.
Earlier in January, Halevi announced he would resign on March 6, citing the military failure on October 7.
Yonah Jeremy Bob contributed to this report.