The Ground Combat Officers Course was held today (Thursday) in a ceremony at “Laskov” Camp (Bahad 1). The ceremony was led by the Chief of Staff, Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, and attended by the President of the State, Isaac Herzog, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant.
The Officers Course completion ceremony was held after seven months of training, during which the course graduates completed the first training phase in the “Field” track. The second phase was conducted by the infantry brigade cadets in the “Gafen” track at Bahad 1, and cadets from the Armored Corps, Combat Engineering Corps, Combat Intelligence Corps, Border Defense Corps, Artillery Corps, and Intelligence officers at dedicated training bases.
During the ceremony, officer ranks were awarded to the 510 new officers. The cadets fought in various sectors during the war before and during their course; some were wounded and returned to combat, and some lost friends, commanders, and subordinates.
The new officers are joining the IDF command ranks and are expected to be integrated into key positions in combat units, to command and lead the IDF forward in combat across all sectors.
Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir said: “The multi-arena combat is led by IDF commanders who stand at the head of the forces. Our eyes are open in all directions, and the finger on the trigger is more poised than ever in the face of any change in the operational reality. Whoever seeks to test our resolve will encounter a power that will exact an immediate and heavy price from them.”
“The IDF is the bridge where we all unite and rise above all disputes for the sake of the great common goal. This is the place where everyone gives, receives, and also compromises out of a shared belief in the great mission and the understanding that our fate depends on our cohesion – only then can we defeat those who seek our lives. Strife and discord at the expense of the IDF will lead us to disaster.”
“In these days, the IDF is embarking on the implementation of the new multi-year plan designed for the next five years under the name ‘Hoshen’,” the Chief of Staff continued. “In this spirit, the ‘Hoshen’ multi-year plan strives for full cohesion among all IDF branches and its personnel components – conscripts, career soldiers, and reservists operating together as one body for a common purpose. We need everyone, from all corners of the country. We cannot afford to forgo any part of the nation.”
President of the State, Isaac Herzog, stated: “Cadets, it may be difficult for you to imagine this right now, but on the parade ground today, the future leaders of the State of Israel also stand. Always remember that leadership is not just a privilege; leadership means responsibility. Responsibility in navigating towards the future, and learning lessons from the past, through responsible, national, and transparent debriefing, in order to learn from mistakes and draw conclusions.”
“‘From me you shall see and so you shall do,’ this is not a cliché, it is the essence of the leadership we expect from ourselves, this is our expectation of you as a nation,” the President continued. “And I am sure you will rise to the task. Officers are not born in a vacuum; every officer standing here is a whole world, a unique story. And these stories have a home, and these stories have a source and a family, and a supportive environment. This day also belongs to you, the families, who support and dedicate yourselves to the mission as well. The spirit of love for the land, of dedication, that prevails here is the spirit that blows in your homes. On behalf of the entire State of Israel, I wish to thank you. The entire nation of Israel benefits from your fruits.”
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said: “We are prepared for any scenario. And if the ayatollahs make a mistake and attack us – they will experience a response they cannot even imagine. Our forces are encircling the Gaza Strip from all sides, where the war began. In accordance with the war aims we have set – Hamas will be disarmed, and Gaza will be demilitarized. We have agreed with our friends in the United States: there will be no reconstruction of the Strip before the demilitarization of the Strip.”
“As I walked among the ranks; as I shook hands with the officers, who stand together – shoulder to shoulder – without divisions; Jews and non-Jews; men and women; secular and religious; from the city, the village, and the kibbutz; as I did this, I felt the wonderful spirit that beats in the ‘People’s Army.’ Because this is exactly what we have here. The People’s Army. The IDF – with its soldiers and commanders – comes from the people, and the people place their trust in the IDF. They place their trust in you.”
Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant stated: “Graduates of the Officers Course – you are joining the IDF command chain today. The command chain of the generation of heroes who have raised the flag of Israel’s security at a high level for over two years in the War of Return. You stand here today on the parade ground for one clear reason: you are the best people in the IDF. Know that generations of Jews look up to you with great pride.”
“The Government of Israel, headed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in which I serve as Minister of Defense, together with the Chief of Staff and the IDF – have changed the security policy of the State of Israel. The policy today is one of initiative, decisive action, threat elimination, and defense of the Israeli borders and settlements from enemy territory against the threats of jihadist organizations. We will not allow threats of annihilation against the State of Israel in the future either – and we will act against any threat, near or far. I say from here to all our enemies: do not test us and do not challenge our resolve – because you will find yourselves facing a united nation and a strong, victorious army!”
Commander of the Officers School, Col. A, said: “In these ranks stand 510 cadets, graduates of the Ground Forces Combat Officers Course, who in a few minutes will reveal their ranks and be officially certified as combat officers in the Israel Defense Forces. On this parade ground, four officers are missing today who fell in combat in the southern Gaza Strip as part of the operation of Bahad 1 in the Rafah sector: Company A Commander in the Dekel Battalion, Major Omri Chai Ben Moshe, and cadets Captain Eran Shalom, Lieutenant Ron Arieli, and Lieutenant Eitan Avner Ben Yitzhak, may their memory be blessed. We will remember and cherish their memory forever.”
“The war proves the strength of the IDF and Bahad 1 within it, both military and human strength. Before us stand dozens more cadets with extraordinary stories that are too numerous to tell. Look at them; the stories standing here today on the parade ground are not just personal stories – they are a mirror of Israeli society as a whole.”
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