Brig. Gen. Liron Batito assumed command of the “Fire Foxes” Division (143) replacing Brig. Gen. Barak Hiram, who served in the role for the past year and a half and will soon assume his position as Head of the Operations Directorate in the Operations Division.
The change of command ceremony took place today (Sunday) in Old Be’erot Yitzhak, headed by the Commander of the Southern Command, Maj. Gen. Yaniv Asor, and with the participation of the Commander of the Ground Forces, Maj. Gen. Nadav Lotan, commanders, soldiers, families, local authority heads, settlement members, and other guests.
Commander of the Southern Command, Maj. Gen. Yaniv Asor, said: “On October 7th, on the holiday of Shmini Atzeret, when we failed and did not fulfill our mission and our security was at stake, we depended on the initiative and heroism of commanders, soldiers, and civilians. Barak and Liron did not have sector responsibility. But they had a huge heart, a deep-rooted command consciousness that did not allow them to stand idly by.”
“And so, both of them left home, leaving their families behind, and went out to the Gaza envelope, to the fields of slaughter and massacre. To defend, to save lives, to kill the enemy, to ensure the existence of the state, to restore the nation’s honor.”
“And since then, you have not stopped. Each in his role, always leading from the front, with exemplary personal example, with courage and bravery, making difficult decisions, succeeding and failing, falling and rising, crying and mourning our fallen brothers, rejoicing in the return of the hostages but not relenting, always determined, tough, and resilient until all missions are completed.”
“You inspired commanders and subordinates, instilled confidence, dispelled fears. Barak, we have walked a long road together, all these years, you stand out in your personal resilience, in your inner strength, in your ethical, professional, and moral backbone. Always at the forefront, a valiant fighter, a true and brave commander.”
“With great wisdom, you have managed to navigate complex environments and operate under uncertainty. Liron, we have met several times during the war, I was very impressed by your wise command, your learning ability, your adaptability, your execution of difficult and complex missions with your Givati Brigade always at the forefront, at the tip of the spear. Your simplicity and authenticity, your connection and love for the soldiers make everyone follow you.”
The outgoing Commander of the “Fire Foxes” Division (143), Brig. Gen. Barak Hiram, continued: “Two years ago, on the morning of Simchat Torah, hateful and murderous rioters again invaded the settlements of the Western Negev. The Gaza Division, which was tasked with defense, failed and was defeated. We will not forget the sights of the smoking settlements, but above all, we will remember the stunned looks of fathers who sat for hours with their children in the safe room, unable to help, parents left without answers, without the ability to comfort and assure them that help was on the way.”
“From the failure of Simchat Torah and the terrible disaster that befell us, we all rose as one nation from all corners of the earth and fought for our right to live in this good land. Our sense of duty towards the residents of the Western Negev, to return the hostages and bring the communities back to their homes, was the strongest engine that beat in the heart of the division.”
“For nearly two and a half years, the Gaza Division has been fighting day and night, Saturday and holiday, to repair, atone, and restore the broken trust. Liron, the mission is not yet complete. Hamas has been defeated but not yet destroyed. The storm still rages around, and the mission of defending the Western Negev passes to you. As defenders of Be’erot Yitzhak on their watch, I know this is the mission of your life. Your professionalism, your determination, your courage, and your extensive experience from fighting in Gaza will serve you well in the next challenge.”
The incoming Commander of the “Fire Foxes” Division (143), Brig. Gen. Liron Batito, concluded: “A chapter has ended, but the mission is not yet fully completed. Hamas has been militarily defeated and dealt an unprecedented blow, but it managed to escape and survive by the skin of its teeth, hiding among our living hostages. The Gaza Division is not just tanks and fighters; it is the names of settlements and the voices of children, it is brave families who get up every morning and choose to live here.”
“And we will be here not just as a defense line, but as a promise. A promise that the border will be safe, that the community will be protected, and that the Gaza envelope will continue to grow and flourish. And for this promise – we will do everything to stand by it.”
“My friend Barak, on behalf of myself and the Gaza Division, I salute you for leading the division during an especially challenging period, for your leadership, your forward command, and your exceptional achievements. I wish you and your dear family some quality time and rest for what lies ahead, and I wish you great success in your important role as Head of the Operations Directorate.”
For the Commanders’ Biographies
For the Full Speech of the Commander of the Southern Command, Maj. Gen. Yaniv Asor
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