Col. D took over as commander of the Samaria Brigade, replacing Col. Ariel Gonen, who served in this role for the past two years and will continue to studies at the National Security College. The handover ceremony was held yesterday (Tuesday) at the Samaria National Park, presided over by the Commander of the Central Command, Maj. Gen. Avi Bluth, the Commander of the Judea and Samaria Division, Brig. Gen. Kobi Heller, and attended by commanders, additional soldiers, and families.
“Tomorrow evening, we will mark the beginning of the fast of Tisha B’Av, one of the five fasts in the Hebrew calendar,” began the Commander of the Judea and Samaria Division, Brig. Gen. Kobi Heller. “A day that reminds us of one of the lowest points and most painful moments in the history of the Jewish people. The destruction of the Temple was not caused solely by an external enemy, but also by internal disputes and baseless hatred. Two thousand years later, our responsibility is not limited to defending Israel’s borders, but also to preserving what connects us as a society.”
“The strength of the IDF is measured not only by its operational capabilities, but also by the values of national responsibility, unity, mutual guarantee, and commitment to the mission,” he stated. “These are the foundations that enable us to continue to protect the State of Israel and its citizens. The Samaria Brigade is no longer just an operational sector – it is an area of paramount security, national, and historical importance. What happens here affects far beyond the brigade’s borders – the entire Judea and Samaria region, the sense of security of the residents, and our ability to continue to operate with full operational freedom in the area.”
“Dear Gonen, today you are concluding your role with great distinction as commander of the Samaria Brigade after two particularly significant years,” he emphasized. “Under your command, you led operational processes with unprecedented achievements, during which the brigade doubled its efforts in counter-terrorism operations in security and depth areas. During your tenure, Gonen, a significant change was made in the Nablus area. Such a change does not happen overnight. It is the result of painstaking, professional, and determined work by commanders and fighters, and especially by a brigade commander who pushed forward – ever onward.”
“Leadership is tested precisely in the most difficult moments. During your command, the Samaria Brigade faced a complex security reality time and again, alongside severe attacks and incessant terror attempts. You stood by the families, strengthened the commanders and fighters, and continued to lead the campaign against terror with a sense of mission and deep commitment to protecting the residents of Samaria.”
“D, you are coming to the role after a long period of combat, during which you led the Golani Reconnaissance Unit to unprecedented achievements in Gaza and Lebanon,” said the Division Commander. “As one of the most prominent field commanders in the war, you demonstrated exceptional combat leadership, determination, initiative, and courage. I have no doubt that the operational experience, leadership, and values you bring with you will continue to lead the brigade forward and ensure the security of the sector. There is still much work ahead of us. Lead the brigade forward to new heights with determination and judgment. I, the brigade commanders, and the division staff are with you from this moment on and in every challenge.”
“In the past two years, as I received the privilege and heavy responsibility to command this sector, I felt every day the weight of generations and the moral obligation – to protect the life that is pulsating here anew,” shared the outgoing commander of the Samaria Brigade, Col. Ariel Gonen. “We worked day and night to thwart terror, and created full operational freedom everywhere and at all times. Together with our partners, we built a better security reality here.”
“D, you are taking command today of a strong and powerful brigade, with dedicated and committed people ready for any mission,” he emphasized. “I have seen you in recent months undergo a serious and in-depth preparation and learning process. You are an experienced fighter and commander, and I have no doubt that you will lead the brigade to new heights and achievements.”
“Today I am relinquishing command of the brigade with a heart full of gratitude for the privilege of serving in a place where the history, present, and future of the people of Israel meet. And now, for the last time as brigade commander: Combat stations, this is HQ. Proud of you and love you very much.”
“I stand before you today, with awe, humility, and a deep sense of mission, and accept command of the Samaria Brigade,” said the incoming commander of the Samaria Brigade, Col. D. “A brigade with a glorious heritage, written over the years with the sweat and daring of generations of fighters and commanders. A brigade that serves as an example and model for the connection between security, settlement, and values.”
“Gonen, you led the brigade through a challenging period to impressive achievements. The initiative and aggressiveness you instilled, along with the values you imparted, will help the brigade overcome future challenges. Thank you for your openness and for the joint learning process.”
“Commanders and soldiers of the Samaria Brigade, a great and complex challenge lies before us,” he concluded. “Fulfilling the mission of defending the residents of the State of Israel is our supreme duty. The events of October 7th are etched in us and serve as a daily reminder of the importance of responsibility, readiness, and operational sharpness. I look at you today and understand the strength of the brigade – the people. I believe in you, I trust you, and I have faith in your fighting spirit. Together, as one fist, we can overcome any challenge.”
The full speech of the incoming commander of the Samaria Brigade, Col. D
The full speech of the commander of the Judea and Samaria Division, Brig. Gen. Kobi Heller
The full speech of the outgoing commander of the Samaria Brigade, Col. Ariel Gonen
Biography of the outgoing commander of the Samaria Brigade, Col. Ariel Gonen