Israeli Deputy Chief of Staff: IDF Must be Prepared for Multiple Threats

October 25, 2012 defpro.com

Maj. Gen. Yair Naveh at graduation of combat officers: The IDF "is forced to maintain alertness and preparedness on a number of fronts"

Yesterday (October 24), the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) welcomed the 34th class of the combat officers after they graduated their training course.

The ceremony's attendees included Defense Minister Ehud Barak, Deputy Chief of Staff Maj. Gen. Yair Naveh, Chief of the Ground Forces Command Maj. Gen. Sami Turgeman, Commander of the Officers' School Col. Eran Niv, and the officers' families and friends.

Addressing the ceremony, the Deputy Chief of Staff discussed Israel's security situation. "The distant east’s leaders shamelessly threaten from every stage, voicing their desire for Israel's destruction," he said. "On the border of Gaza, we are in a situation of constant combat against terror organizations, and from time to time, such as today, the civilians of the south must stand on the front lines under fire. In front of our eyes, the Sinai border has turned into a border of active terror, taking a toll in blood. The Golan Heights is turning from a long-quiet border into a border where the forces of jihad and terror congregate."

"For the first time in many years, the IDF, including you, is forced to maintain alertness and preparedness on a number of fronts simultaneously, and forced to responsibly follow changes throughout the region with flexibility," continued Maj. Gen. Naveh. "Starting tomorrow, you are there facing the challenges; you are the commanders of the ambush in Lebanon, commanders of the armored patrol on the Sinai border, and commanders on the Gaza border. You will be required to be committed to the mission, provide a personal example, and be vigilantly responsible for human life."

Maj. Gen. Naveh also offered advice to the new officers, emphasizing their responsibilities toward their soldiers. "In combat, the soldier is the most important factor," he said. "They are the key to achieving victory, and they are the causes of defeat and failure. Therefore, take good care of your people; they are your primary source of strength. Develop the best of them into commanders, do not excuse those who stray, and do not ignore the unacceptable. Command your force. You will be required to command from the front. The essence of command lies in the small details, and your test is that of action." (IDF)