Col. Y took over as commander of the Southern Brigade (6643) in the Gaza Division (143), replacing Col. G, who served in the role for about a year and seven months. He will continue to the position of commander of the Border Defense School in the Ground Forces.
The change of command ceremony was held today (Wednesday) at the Fallen’s Garden in Kissufim, led by the Commander of the Southern Command, Maj. Gen. Yaniv Asor, and attended by the Deputy Commander of the Southern Command, Maj. Gen. (Res.) Yossi Bachar, the Commander of the Gaza Division (143), Brig. Gen. Liron Batito, families, residents, security coordinators, soldiers, and other commanders.
The Commander of the Gaza Division (143), Brig. Gen. Liron Batito, said: “The place where we stand well symbolizes the spirit of the Southern Brigade. 93 commanders and fighters of the brigade risked their lives defending the communities of the Eshkol region and are memorialized here, including my good friend, the former brigade commander, Col. Assaf Hamami, may he rest in peace.”
“Among my previous roles, I commanded the Southern Brigade, a period of great significance for me, during which I developed a deep connection with the amazing people who live here and the great responsibility placed upon our shoulders to guard, protect, and ensure that this place will be protected forever.”
“G, you are a principled and professional commander with frontline leadership and an exceptional personal example. Your love for the brigade, for this land, and for the residents is evident in every step and decision you made. The mission of protecting the residents of Eshkol was always before your eyes, and you succeeded in it. I thank you for your work and wish you great success going forward.”
“Y, you were chosen from among many good candidates for the role. You are now taking command of the Southern Brigade and the mission of defending the communities of the Eshkol region. I trust you and am confident that you will stand firm against the challenges and lead the brigade with excellence.”
“We are determined and have full faith in the righteousness of our path, for the sake of our children’s future, for the residents of the Western Negev, and for the citizens of the State of Israel. Good luck to Y in his new role and good luck to the Southern Brigade in its defense mission. Until the end, until victory!”
The outgoing commander of the Southern Brigade (6643), Col. G, said: “The Gaza region has always been a battlefield – many wars have passed through it. And now, 3,000 years after our exodus from Egypt, we prove our eternal standing as a people, time and again – we are here. The brigade, which has defended and fought for decades, suffered a severe and incomprehensible blow on October 7th.”
“The brigade has experienced complex days and a changing security reality that presented us with many challenges. And you, the people of the brigade – through hard work, dedication, and professionalism, you knew how to meet them. In defense, in offense, day after day, step by step, regular forces alongside reservists, crisis to hope – we fought back fiercely. I want to take this opportunity to wish a speedy recovery to all the wounded of the Southern Brigade, physically and mentally. We await your return to our ranks.”
“Alongside the operational mission, there is an equally important mission – restoring the trust of the residents. Seeing the people step up first for every mission, working around the clock to strengthen defenses, feeling the willingness of the brigade members to sacrifice and do whatever is necessary at any time, was the best thing a commander could wish for himself.”
“Y, my friend, we have known each other for many years. You are the right person at the right time. Success and victory in your future missions. Our country continues to grow and flourish because quality and Zionist youth of the highest caliber – the best of our sons and daughters – understand that it is now their turn to step up. Go forth and succeed.”
The incoming commander of the Southern Brigade (6643), Col. Y, said in his speech: “I stand here today, with awe and humility, accepting command of the Southern Brigade. I accept the responsibility to defend this region – a place that from the moment you start moving around it – it’s hard not to fall in love with.”
“The timing, two and a half years after October 7th and a week before Memorial Day and the 78th Independence Day of the State of Israel, only makes this occasion more moving for me. In the two and a half years that have passed, we have risen from the devastation thanks to brave commanders and fighters, the generation of victory. The memory of our friends who fell in the battles of defense and offense during the war, and their families, are our moral compass, guiding us every step of the way.”
“Fighters and commanders of the brigade, regular and reserve, during the war years you acted with determination and a drive for contact. Together, we will continue forward, we will initiate and win every encounter. I am proud to join your ranks. To the residents of the Eshkol region, our partners and the essence of the brigade – your resilience is our source of strength. We are here to ensure that you can grow and build the future in security.”
“G, my brother, on behalf of myself and the Southern Brigade, I want to thank you for leading the brigade from the front during a complex period. And to my commanders, I thank you for your trust and for choosing me for this role. I commit that we will stand as a strong wall together with our partners. Here I am, ready for the mission.”
For the commanders’ biographies
For the full speech of the Commander of the Gaza Division, Brig. Gen. Liron Batito
For the full speech of the outgoing commander of the Southern Brigade, Col. G
For the full speech of the incoming commander of the Southern Brigade, Col. Y