Air Force Commander, Major General Tomer Bar, spoke this evening (Thursday) at the graduation ceremony of the 18.8 pilot course, with the participation of Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi and Fernando Merman - who was released from captivity in Operation 'Golden Hand'.
The major general said: "We are in the midst of the longest war in our history since the War of Independence. We have been fighting for almost nine months without respite, without tirelessness. This is a war that cannot be justified. We embarked on it out of necessity, but we are imbued with purpose and motivation.".
He declared: "Hamas in Gaza will be defeated soon. We are ready to face Hezbollah in the north. We have the means for this, we have the capabilities, and we certainly have the patience and fighting spirit.".
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He addressed the course graduates: "You learned in real time chapters about surprise and failure. About rapid and decisive recovery. About unprecedented cooperation between the Air Force and the land and naval forces, the Shin Bet, the police, and the Mossad.".
Bar said about the challenge of intercepting drones from Lebanon: "The challenge of continuous defense of all our borders is demanding and challenging. We are investing in the implementation of technologies and systems produced by Israeli industries and new combat methods. Day by day we see progress in the overall response. Remember that strong defense is a condition. Attacking the enemy on his territory is the complete solution.".
He added: "During the course, you also learned about the audacity, courage, and sacrifice of fighters on the ground and in the air, in dangerous operations that are on the edge. We went out to them for the release of our precious hostages.".
""We were with Fernando Merman in the audience who was released in Operation 'Golden Hand.' Fernando - you are the reminder of what we are fighting for. We will continue and do everything we can to return the 120 hostages who are still in Hamas captivity.".
""Course graduates – your presence in the importance of the full mobilization of the men and women of the IDF on a day of command, from the very first minute. When the fate of the country was at stake – they stood up – united. united. and committed. – in the squadrons and units of the IDF in the field and at headquarters. In the coming weeks you will learn about the investigation of the war so far – a penetrating and courageous investigation – of
"The teams, the commanders, the entire force. Courage and cooperation, courage and sacrifice, unity and the value of investigation - this is the line that connects the generations of the Air Force, from the day of its establishment seventy-six years ago to this very day.".
Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi said at the end of a flight course: "The goal is worthy beyond compare, to dismantle the Hamas organization, kill its operatives, destroy its infrastructure and not allow its rule to continue. To bring about the return of the kidnapped, to return the evacuees to their homes in the north and south with security, renewed construction and prosperity; we are committed to the path of determination and perseverance and we must do everything to prevent any threat to our lives here.".
""About a week ago I met with the dear people of Nir Oz. We went through the kibbutz, house by house. Time froze on October 7th and the difficult sights are etched along with the words, the stories and the pain. Towards the end of the tour I asked the kibbutz member who was there on October 7th what would be here in five years. He took a breath, thought for a moment, and answered confidently: 'The kibbutz will be more beautiful than before, better built, and with wonderful people.'.
""And I thought: After all the military achievements, this will be the real victory, not before we fulfill our responsibility to investigate, study and bring about the security situation that will allow this.".
