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Keep Calm And Carry On

IDF Chief of Staff: The Home Front Is Our Strength

IDF Chief of Staff spoke of the importance of the home front in fighting Israel's wars during a change in commanders at Home Front Command.

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IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir.
Screenshot from IDF footage.

IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir gave a speech today (Thursday) at the changing of the guard at Home Front Command, outlining what he believed to be Israel's core strengths and challenges in our time:

"[...] I said during the war that our enemies were wrong to think that the Israeli home front is our point of weakness. The truth is that it is the source of our resilience - it is what gives us the strength to continue and fight for all of our home, for the State of Israel. I stand here today with a feeling of deep pride and sincere appreciation - for continuous, determined work, and for an irreplaceable contribution to the security of the State of Israel and the protection of its citizens. Home Front Command is not just an operational body - it is the protective wall of Israeli society.

"We strike our enemies everywhere throughout the Middle East thanks to powerful offensive capabilities, and we minimize damage to our home front thanks to an operational concept that includes kinetic, technological and unique capabilities, multi-layered organization, warning systems and cooperation between Home Front Command forces, security and rescue forces, local authorities, public information and civilian discipline. In routine and emergency, in times of natural disaster or war, you stand at the forefront of home front defense.

"Thanks to you - Israeli citizens receive response, warning, guidance and rescue when needed. You are there everywhere - from the north to the Gaza envelope, from the large cities to the small communities, for everyone. The achievements of Home Front Command are not taken for granted. They are the result of meticulous planning, cultivating high readiness, cooperation with emergency and rescue agencies, continuous training - and a spirit of mission that is second to none. Our supreme test in decisive moments - in wartime, at the height of combat, under fire - you knew how to meet the challenge, provide response, and give a sense of national security. The Israeli public trusts you - and I and the entire IDF rely on you wholeheartedly.

"We meet in decisive days and during a prolonged and complex war with all its theaters active; we operate from an emerging concept that takes the war to the depth of enemy territory, combining determined and initiative action, wherever we identify a threat - in order to defend our borders, prevent an existential threat, weaken our enemies, near and far, topple Hamas rule, return all the hostages home and win the war.

"About a month ago, Operation "Rising Lion" ended, which caused great damage to Iran's nuclear program. During it, the impact of Home Front Command in the field was again revealed, which saved many lives. From operating warning systems, conducting information operations and evacuating civilians trapped from impact zones - the command stood heroically in unprecedented challenges, operated in precise cooperation with security and rescue agencies, strengthened the connection and trust between the IDF and Israeli society and contributed to the success of the entire operation. Alongside the many achievements, we do not forget the painful price we pay - we remember the war's fallen, who sacrificed their lives in battles and fell defending the homeland. We will continue to embrace and accompany the bereaved families throughout the journey, stand beside our wounded and accompany them in recovery and rehabilitation processes.

[...]

"Honored guests, we are in the days between the straits, a period of mourning for the destruction of the First and Second Temples, which reminds us of the importance of cohesion - a united people is a people with a strong home front, which stands firm against every difficulty and thanks to which we have the confidence to continue and act for the security of the homeland and its citizens. Home Front Command is the beating heart of the IDF and civilian society partnership. Thanks to you - the IDF not only fights at the border, but also protects at home. Continue to operate in the special spirit that characterizes you - with dedication, humility and genuine Zionist spirit.

"Thank you for the service, for the mission and for the protection you provide us - day by day, hour by hour.

[...]

"Rise and succeed!"


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