Mohammed Afif had been especially visible after all-out war erupted between Israel and Hezbollah in September.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu could be aiming for a temporary agreement with Biden still in office,leaving a final settlement for Trump to take credit for,say analysts.
The US says Israel has made good but limited progress in increasing the flow of humanitarian aid to Gaza.
The dismissal of Yoav Gallant comes as Israel is embroiled in wars on multiple fronts.
A pro-government Syrian radio station reported Israeli forces carried out a “kidnapping operation” in the country’s south.
His speech came as Iranian officials increase threats to launch yet another strike against Israel after the latter’s October 26 attack on the Islamic republic.
The group still seeks a ceasefire but on terms it deems acceptable,Hezbollah’s newly named leader Naim Qassem said in a televised address.
Israel’s main ally the United States said it was concerned by the high casualty toll,with medics saying at least 20 children were among the dead.
Iran has not faced such a significant external threat since a war with Iraq ended more than three decades ago.
Targets hit sit between several UNESCO heritage sites,including some associated with Phoenicians and Crusaders.
Hezbollah has taken responsibility for the weekend attack,but images of the daring move only just cleared Israeli censors.