The order of the day of the Chief of the General Staff, LTG Herzi Halevi, in commemoration of the memorial day for the fallen in the "Swords of Iron" War

The Chief of the General Staff: “This war of a nation seeking to be free in its land comes at a heavy cost. Our continued existence is ensured by the acts of heroism of the fallen and the wounded in body or soul. It is our duty to complete the mission for them”

Attached is the translation of the order of the day:
“Order of the Day – Swords of Iron War Memorial Day

Soldiers and commanders of the IDF, on active duty and reservists,
civilian employees,
In the midst of a long war, we gather as a mournful and pained nation, pausing in order to remember.
Today we commemorate all who fell on the day this war broke out and during the year of fighting since then.
It has been a year of war on multiple fronts, a year of the most righteous of campaigns. The heinous attack by an inhumane enemy has taken a heavy, painful toll, and yet we have risen from the dust and persevered. We are fighting fearlessly and tirelessly for our home – both national and personal – for the sake of restoring security to the people of Israel. We are also fighting for the return of our hostages, an urgent and critical war goal. Our duty to them and to their families embodies our commitment to our children – the warriors of tomorrow: so that they may know we are devoted to their safety and to the security of all of our citizens. Hope on the home front depends on us, and it is the source of strength and resilience of our warriors on the frontline.
The IDF is operating day and night to defend the people of Israel from those who seek to destroy us. We fight in defense and offence along the borders and deep behind enemy lines – we shall not waver, we shall persist, and we shall prevail. Our accomplishments are many, in Gaza, Lebanon, Judea and Samaria, and other distant fronts, and we strive to do better every day. Our successes and numerous achievements do not overshadow the difficult beginning and the agony of those days. Acknowledging failure and taking responsibility are the first step toward correction. No war comes without a cost, and tragically, this war of a nation seeking to be free in its land comes at a heavy cost. Our continued existence is ensured by the acts of heroism of the fallen and the wounded in body or soul. It is our duty to complete the mission for them, guided by the same devotion, courage and sense of vocation which led them. Over the past year, I have thought daily about the many fallen. Every day, I felt, and still feel, the weight of the responsibility and immense duty that every commander bears when leading soldiers into battle.
We are deeply grateful to our reservists, who report for duty time and again, and fight for the entire Israeli society. The war effort comes with great sacrifices from the families, a toll on employment, and inevitable burnout. We must never take these for granted. The IDF needs all of its warriors and much more.
Today, we bow our heads in memory of the residents and visitors of the western Negev, fighters of the community alert squads, members of the security forces, and soldiers and commanders of the IDF. We salute the heroism, courage, commitment and devotion of those who fell in fierce battles.
Soldiers and commanders of the IDF –
Our course is clear – to continue ensuring the existence and prosperity of the State of Israel, and the security of its citizens for eternity. You are the defenders and protectors of the State of Israel. We shall continue to act with skill, intensity and valor. We all have a role in this war, and a new chapter is now being added to the annals of the people of Israel, one which tells the story of your bravery.
May the memory of the fallen be blessed.

LTG Herzi Halevi
IDF Chief of the General Staff”