IDF Chief of General Staff wishes A Happy New Year
For the upcoming New Year, (5765), I bless all IDF soldiers and their commanders, in compulsory or reserve service, IDF
personnel and security forces a good and blessed year.
The previous year continued to be a period of terror against Israel. Terrorist organizations have exercised attempts to
injure Israeli civilians and soldiers with all means situated in their possession in order to destroy the Israeli
societal spirit and to undermine the right to our existence as a nation and people in the State of Israel.
Also this past year, IDF forces fought against this terror, in conjunction with the Israeli Police, Border Patrol and
the GSS. In this fight, we have had meaningful achievements . We were successful to neutralize the terrorist
infrastructure and to minimize in a recognizable manner their abilities due to our continued obstinate achievements by
the security's efforts. In spite of our operational success in the war on terror Israel has paid a valuable price.
Escorting our friends at arms to the next world who fell in battle, and civilians, from the young to the old, whose only
wrongdoing was to continue to fulfill their lives in their land.
Also now, four years since the beginning of the present conflict, our clear and understandable mission has been and is
to defend the State of Israel's security. This upcoming year we will continue to act and harm those murderers and their
couriers and all who undermine our right to life and our right to establish the State of Israel as the State for the
Jewish people.
The societal reality found in the State of Israel obligates us also this year to continue and develop efficiently our
resources in the IDF. The IDF is the army of the State of Israel ? the army of the Jewish nation. We are not disengaging
from the societal or economical situations and we should not.
We are rather obligated to set an example ? to conserve and reduce wherever possible. This is the compelled procedure of
our difficult ruling, and there isn't a time when it doesn't hurt. We have implemented structural and organizational
changes, removed old equipment and absorbed new and advanced equipment in their stead. We worked to assemble IDF bases
and to reduce the security forces staff in order to enhance the bases and the service's conditions for the soldiers.
The IDF will continue to accumulate and assemble efficiently while testing continuously our needs and limitations in the
IDF and in the strategic field, with the understanding of the support of the building of a stable and strong general
base. It will be an essential part to the State of Israel's might and Israeli society's strength.
IDF soldiers and Commanders,
During the past year, we knew of success and accomplishments, and yet persevered with tragedies and bereavement. We
returned our kidnapped soldiers, Omer, Adi, and Benny to their families to be laid to rest in our land. We hugged the
families of our beloved ones who fell and we support our injured and sick friends, who paid with their lives for the
country's security. They as well fight every day a difficult and personal war for their recovery and rehabilitation.
Next year we will also work to achieve to identify and return our captives and missing persons. We will continue to
console the strong and loved connection we have with the bereaved families and support our injured friends and the sick.
This is our utmost responsibility, to our friends at arms who fought by our side and their families' side.
I wish you all, to your families and to all of Israel a year of security and peace, progress and success.
May there be peace in the Land of Israel.
The year of curses shall end, and the year of blessings shall start!
Good and Blessed Year,
Moshe Ya'alon, Lieutenant General
Chief of General Staff