Israel Katz appoints Hisham Ibrahim as military secretary effective immediately

Defense Minister Israel Katz announced on Sunday morning that he has appointed Brig. Gen. Hisham Ibrahim, the current head of the Civil Administration, as his new military secretary. Ibrahim will replace Maj. Gen. Guy Markizano, who was recently named Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s military secretary.

The Defense Ministry said Ibrahim, who is Druze, will enter the post immediately. It said he has held senior roles throughout his military career, including Chief Armor Officer, commander of the 460th and 205th brigades, and deputy commander of Division 91. Katz said he is confident Ibrahim will succeed in a period of major security challenges for Israel and said he had updated the chief of staff.

The IDF said the appointment was made following the recommendation of Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir. The move comes about a week and a half after Netanyahu announced Markizano’s transfer to his own office. Markizano was promoted to major general and replaced Maj. Gen. Roman Gofman, who was appointed head of the Mossad.

Netanyahu’s office said Markizano brought extensive experience coordinating between political and military echelons and could start immediately without a transition period. Katz also praised Markizano in a separate statement, calling him an outstanding officer and commander, and said he was confident Markizano would excel in his new role and contribute to Israel’s security and decision-making at the highest levels.