The new IDF Intelligence's Operations Division, Brigadier-General A., said on Tuesday that IDF's Intelligence has to "fulfill its mission as Israel's first line of defense," after the failures experienced on the October 7 massacre.
"On the morning of Simchat Torah, October 7, the Intelligence Division failed in its most important mission, to warn of war, and thus failed to fulfill its mission as the first line of defense of the State of Israel," he said during his inaugural speech as the division's officer.
"It is our duty to remember the failure, to act with the knowledge that it could also happen on our watch, and to continue the work of correction and assimilation of the lessons," he added.
The Operations Division is one of the three most important divisions in the IDF's Intelligence, with its commander reporting directly to the Security Cabinet.
Brig.-Gen. A. also said, "We are in a multi-sectoral, long and challenging war, which has exacted a very heavy and painful price from us, 2,028 fallen, each one a world in its own right, and thousands wounded in body and soul. A war that began with a conceptual, intelligence, and operational failure."
'The best of the best': Intelligence commanders welcome Brig.-Gen. A.
"The Operations Brigade is one of the cornerstones on which the entire Military Intelligence rests. It is the place where the IDF's operational needs are translated into intelligence missions, responsible for gathering all efforts, capabilities, and resources into focused and effective action," said IDF's Intelligence chief, Major-General Shlomi Binder.
"Dear A., we have known each other for many years. I have seen you command bold and dangerous operations. You are entering turbulent waters, but I am certain with all my heart that you are the right person in the right place and that you will also excel in the IDF's Intelligence," he added.
The outgoing head of the division, Brig.-Gen. Meni Liberty said, "A., we've known each other for many years, you're the best of the best, I couldn't be happier that you're the one getting on the train, leading, and being a team member along with the wonderful group that came to honor us on this occasion. I wish you all the success in the world and a little more."
Liberty leaves the role after two years and will continue to serve in the IDF as the commander of the 98th Division of the Paratroopers Brigade.
Brig.-Gen. A. was presented as the new head of the division in a ceremony at Camp Rabin, headed by Deputy Chief of Staff, Maj.-Gen. Tamir Yadai, Maj.-Gen. Binder, and with the participation of members of the General Staff Forum, commanders, families, and other invitees.