Brig. Gen. Elad Tzuri assumed command of the “Ha’Bzek” (99) Division, replacing Brig. Gen. Yoav Bruner, who served in this role for the past two years and will continue to command the Command and Staff College (PUM).
The handover ceremony took place yesterday (Wednesday) at the Flag Memorial in Nativ Ha’Asara, presided over by the Commander of the Central Command, Maj. Gen. Avi Blot, with the participation of additional commanders, soldiers, and families.
“This place, this land,” said the Commander of the Central Command, Maj. Gen. Avi Blot, “obligates us to take responsibility and provide security to the residents of the area, and to all arenas – to all citizens of the State of Israel. This place is a memorial to the murdered, a reminder of the price of failure, but at the same time also a monument that tells of the heroism of the fighters and civilians who fought and are still fighting, and testifies to the exceptional resilience that was revealed after that cursed day and the heinous attack.”
“Dear Bruner, we have known each other for many years, and it is impressive to see how you led the division to achievements. You received the division during the war, with no grace period, and quickly entered operational activity in the Gaza Strip. I was impressed by your immense sense of responsibility, which was evident in every step, and by your full connection to the place, the people, and the mission.”
“Dear Tzuri,” added the Commander of the Central Command, Maj. Gen. Avi Blot, “I have also known you for many years. You are one of the heroes of the War of Return. I met you more than once during the war, in Gaza and in Lebanon, and I have always seen you as a confident, professional, level-headed, resourceful commander, with personal example and a deep connection to your people. I am sure you will lead the division to significant achievements.”
“I wish to express again my great appreciation to all of you – regular and reserve personnel alike. You are doing exceptional, historic work of deep significance to Israel’s security and the assurance of Israel’s eternal existence.”
“Today I say goodbye twice,” said the outgoing commander of the “Ha’Bzek” (99) Division, Brig. Gen. Yoav Bruner, “The first time to Division 99, which for the past two years has been a compass and anchor for me and my family; and the second time to the Gaza Envelope, which is so dear to me, reminding me of my childhood landscapes in the Jezreel Valley.”
“For me, Division 99 is the moment when, with the opening of Operation ‘With All Your Might,’ the permanent and reserve personnel, with smiles on their faces, made their way to the logistics depots to equip themselves quickly and set out on their missions even before they were called. These are the people of our division, a special breed. Division 99 is the adherence to the mission, it is the connection between the regular and reserve forces, and it is the beautiful Land of Israel.”
“Alongside this,” added the outgoing commander of the “Ha’Bzek” (99) Division, Brig. Gen. Yoav Bruner, “I am also saying goodbye today to the Gaza Envelope. The Gaza Envelope is magnificent landscapes, thriving agriculture, continuous construction momentum, and children who have returned to run barefoot and fill the green lawns between the homes of moshavim and kibbutzim. The Gaza Envelope, as its name suggests, embraces you even after failure. Therefore, we have a duty to decide and to win, to be at the forefront, to be prepared, to be worthy, and to understand that we have not yet completed the mission.”
“Tzuri, I tried to show you everything. I am sure you will lead the division to new heights. Do not hesitate to challenge it time and again – the division is ready for war. I was impressed by you as a sharp, astute, professional commander with combat experience, and I am confident in your success. To your wife and children – welcome to the Division 99 family.”
“Commanders and fighters of the division, regular and reserve,” said the incoming commander of the “Ha’Bzek” (99) Division, Brig. Gen. Elad Tzuri, “For nearly three years, we have been fighting this just war – a war to destroy our enemies and remove threats on all fronts; a war whose purpose is to ensure security for the citizens of the State of Israel and to enable our children to live safe and prosperous lives in our land.”
“I am proud of you and the way you have fought for such a long period. Our enemies in all sectors have suffered severe blows, and our security situation has improved immeasurably, but their desire to destroy us remains.”
“With a deep sense of mission and understanding the magnitude of the responsibility placed upon my shoulders,” added the incoming commander of the “Ha’Bzek” (99) Division, Brig. Gen. Elad Tzuri, “I am today accepting command of Division 99. We must continue to operate, learn, improve, and draw lessons. The settlement in the sector, the spirit of action, and the agricultural and industrial initiative in the region are the source of Israel’s strength. From this stems our duty – to continue attacking our enemies who seek to destroy us, and not to allow them to establish themselves on our border.”
“Bruner, taking command of the division gave me the opportunity to get to know you. I wish to thank you for the way you commanded the division in the past two years, during the war, and for the sincere, personal, and impressive way you shared the command challenges with me. I wish the IDF that all command changes will be carried out in this spirit, and I wish you, your wife, and all family members a time of togetherness and great success on your future path.”
For the commanders’ biographies
For the full speech of the Commander of the Central Command, Maj. Gen. Avi Blot
For the full speech of the outgoing commander of the “Ha’Bzek” (99) Division, Brig. Gen. Yoav Bruner
For the full speech of the incoming commander of the “Ha’Bzek” (99) Division, Brig. Gen. Elad Tzuri
