The Chief of the General Staff at the Graduation Ceremony of the 69th Ground Forces Officers Course
11.07.24
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Speech of the Chief of the General Staff, Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi, at the Graduation Ceremony of the 69th Ground Forces Officers Course
"Prime Minister Mr. Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Mr. Yoav Gallant, dear families, commanders, and you, the new officers, this is the third Ground Forces Officers Course concluding during wartime. You entered the course from the war as soldiers and commanders, and you return to your units as officers to continue the fight.
Today's ceremony marks a pinnacle in your military service, and from here, you become a significant reinforcement to the command echelon of the IDF. We are in a long and decisive war for our right to live securely in our land. Its course and outcomes, on all fronts, will affect our existence here for generations. From tomorrow, you will command soldiers at the front lines of the battle, and you will determine the outcomes at the forefront, impacting the entire campaign. Our mission now is to lead! With perseverance, determination, and resilience until all the war's objectives are achieved.
We remember why we entered this war and what is at stake. We will continue to strive for the enemy's defeat, strike Hamas operatives and their commanders, kill them, and dismantle the organization's infrastructure. We will operate tirelessly until the hostages are returned from enemy captivity and ensure the safe return of the residents of the south and north to their homes. Today, you take on the burden of command and the responsibility for the mission and the people.
Your subordinates will look up to you. They will seek answers to all questions from you. You will educate them, be a source of strength and spirit, and serve as their example.
Know that personal example is the core of your command ability to lead your people. You have the right and duty to set the expectations for everyone under your command - through words and through actions.
It is also your duty to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and discipline, a duty that gains greater significance in the heat of battle and in the face of its risks.
Personal example will be reflected in all your subordinates' actions, as well as the values and qualities they see in you:
When you strive for contact and victory, they will discover courage in battle;
When you stick to the goal, they will become determined, steadfast, and dedicated soldiers;
When you act with thought and consideration, they will aspire to professionalism;
And every time you care for their safety and well-being, you will ensure camaraderie, brotherhood of warriors, and mutual responsibility among them. Even when the way is tough- they will trust you and follow you. Your leadership will shape them into more skilled soldiers and better people. It will determine the quality of their military actions and shape their character, in spirit as well as in strength. When you succeed in this, many of them will follow your path, the path of command. They will learn from you, and do as you do.
In last Saturday's Torah portion, we read the portion of Korach, which describes a clash between two approaches to leadership. One - short-term leadership of arrogance and disqualification of the other, and the other - leadership of humility, truth, and depth, sharing opinions, not sanctifying division, always aspiring to benefit the people.
A leader in battle has the duty to see the whole picture, analyze it professionally, and act accordingly. Be true leaders to your people and do not seek to please them. See them as they are, and prepare them for the time of war and the hardest challenges, do not relent.
This morning, we presented the Be'eri community with the inquiry we conducted on the battle in the kibbutz on the 7th and 8th of October. The inquiry is a cornerstone of being in command. In a critical manner, seeking to learn and improveme, under the cover of truth, we worked with all partners in the incident to understand in detail and depth what happened and what we must learn to prevent it from happening again in the future. We must all learn from the heroism of the people of Be'eri, the civilian rapid response team, and other civilians, who defended their families and the kibbutz members with their bodies for long hours, during which we did not arrive to protect them. Their determination prevented an even greater disaster. Learn from the commanders and soldiers of the forces that arrived at the kibbutz. Many of them fought heroically at a heavy cost, heroism that is exemplary.
We will address the mistakes made in the battle and will learn from them to ensure that we are better tomorrow. We highly appreciate everyone who fought and know that in a difficult reality, mistakes also occur. Take upon yourselves our responsibility to rebuild the western Negev securely, in partnership with the local residents. The integration of the IDF and the area's residents and building it for prosperity is the true victory after military action.
There is a vision in the Negev. It is a region with a past and a future. A pulsating vision of fulfillment and hope. There are vineyards here that were not here when I was a cadet; there are energy projects that were not here until a few years ago; there is academia and developing industry that were not here in the past.
So why shouldn't there be in the future, among us on the parade ground and in the audience, officers from the ultra-orthodox community? We will know how to integrate them and respect their beliefs. They will contribute to the state's security and to their own, and they will feel more significant because of it. I am sure of it. Israel will be a more united country and a stronger society; there is a vision in the Negev.
To you, family members, present with us here today:
The willingness of your sons and daughters to take on command testifies to the values they gained at home. The completion of the Ground Forces Officers Course is a significant event in your lives, with extra significance in wartime. I am sure that your pride is mixed with concern and know that the way is still full of challenges, but know that they are well-trained, and they have the strength, wisdom, and resilience needed to overcome all challenges.
To you, course commanders, much appreciation for leading a comprehensive, professional, and meticulous training, even in turbulent days. And to the commander of the Officers School, Brigadier General Yehuda Vach, thank you for three years of dedication, leadership, and personal example, and for generations of excellent officers and officers who came out under your hand. You also commanded your people in the battlefield in the Gaza Strip with great success.
Officers,
The burden of responsibility on your shoulders with the officer ranks - carry it with pride, humility, and a strong commitment to the IDF spirit and its values. Lead by example, with wisdom and courage, and be an inspiration to your subordinates in ensuring our lives and future in this land.
Rise and succeed!"
Today's ceremony marks a pinnacle in your military service, and from here, you become a significant reinforcement to the command echelon of the IDF. We are in a long and decisive war for our right to live securely in our land. Its course and outcomes, on all fronts, will affect our existence here for generations. From tomorrow, you will command soldiers at the front lines of the battle, and you will determine the outcomes at the forefront, impacting the entire campaign. Our mission now is to lead! With perseverance, determination, and resilience until all the war's objectives are achieved.
We remember why we entered this war and what is at stake. We will continue to strive for the enemy's defeat, strike Hamas operatives and their commanders, kill them, and dismantle the organization's infrastructure. We will operate tirelessly until the hostages are returned from enemy captivity and ensure the safe return of the residents of the south and north to their homes. Today, you take on the burden of command and the responsibility for the mission and the people.
Your subordinates will look up to you. They will seek answers to all questions from you. You will educate them, be a source of strength and spirit, and serve as their example.
Know that personal example is the core of your command ability to lead your people. You have the right and duty to set the expectations for everyone under your command - through words and through actions.
It is also your duty to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and discipline, a duty that gains greater significance in the heat of battle and in the face of its risks.
Personal example will be reflected in all your subordinates' actions, as well as the values and qualities they see in you:
When you strive for contact and victory, they will discover courage in battle;
When you stick to the goal, they will become determined, steadfast, and dedicated soldiers;
When you act with thought and consideration, they will aspire to professionalism;
And every time you care for their safety and well-being, you will ensure camaraderie, brotherhood of warriors, and mutual responsibility among them. Even when the way is tough- they will trust you and follow you. Your leadership will shape them into more skilled soldiers and better people. It will determine the quality of their military actions and shape their character, in spirit as well as in strength. When you succeed in this, many of them will follow your path, the path of command. They will learn from you, and do as you do.
In last Saturday's Torah portion, we read the portion of Korach, which describes a clash between two approaches to leadership. One - short-term leadership of arrogance and disqualification of the other, and the other - leadership of humility, truth, and depth, sharing opinions, not sanctifying division, always aspiring to benefit the people.
A leader in battle has the duty to see the whole picture, analyze it professionally, and act accordingly. Be true leaders to your people and do not seek to please them. See them as they are, and prepare them for the time of war and the hardest challenges, do not relent.
This morning, we presented the Be'eri community with the inquiry we conducted on the battle in the kibbutz on the 7th and 8th of October. The inquiry is a cornerstone of being in command. In a critical manner, seeking to learn and improveme, under the cover of truth, we worked with all partners in the incident to understand in detail and depth what happened and what we must learn to prevent it from happening again in the future. We must all learn from the heroism of the people of Be'eri, the civilian rapid response team, and other civilians, who defended their families and the kibbutz members with their bodies for long hours, during which we did not arrive to protect them. Their determination prevented an even greater disaster. Learn from the commanders and soldiers of the forces that arrived at the kibbutz. Many of them fought heroically at a heavy cost, heroism that is exemplary.
We will address the mistakes made in the battle and will learn from them to ensure that we are better tomorrow. We highly appreciate everyone who fought and know that in a difficult reality, mistakes also occur. Take upon yourselves our responsibility to rebuild the western Negev securely, in partnership with the local residents. The integration of the IDF and the area's residents and building it for prosperity is the true victory after military action.
There is a vision in the Negev. It is a region with a past and a future. A pulsating vision of fulfillment and hope. There are vineyards here that were not here when I was a cadet; there are energy projects that were not here until a few years ago; there is academia and developing industry that were not here in the past.
So why shouldn't there be in the future, among us on the parade ground and in the audience, officers from the ultra-orthodox community? We will know how to integrate them and respect their beliefs. They will contribute to the state's security and to their own, and they will feel more significant because of it. I am sure of it. Israel will be a more united country and a stronger society; there is a vision in the Negev.
To you, family members, present with us here today:
The willingness of your sons and daughters to take on command testifies to the values they gained at home. The completion of the Ground Forces Officers Course is a significant event in your lives, with extra significance in wartime. I am sure that your pride is mixed with concern and know that the way is still full of challenges, but know that they are well-trained, and they have the strength, wisdom, and resilience needed to overcome all challenges.
To you, course commanders, much appreciation for leading a comprehensive, professional, and meticulous training, even in turbulent days. And to the commander of the Officers School, Brigadier General Yehuda Vach, thank you for three years of dedication, leadership, and personal example, and for generations of excellent officers and officers who came out under your hand. You also commanded your people in the battlefield in the Gaza Strip with great success.
Officers,
The burden of responsibility on your shoulders with the officer ranks - carry it with pride, humility, and a strong commitment to the IDF spirit and its values. Lead by example, with wisdom and courage, and be an inspiration to your subordinates in ensuring our lives and future in this land.
Rise and succeed!"
The full ceremony can be viewed here.
