In a day-long round of ceremonies, IDF Chief of Staff Aviv Kochavi today passed the torch to incoming Chief of Staff Hertzi haLevi. Kochavi has served in the top post for the last four years. He implemented a variety of new technologies and initiatives in the IDF during his tenure and also led the military response to terrorist organization Hamas, during the June 2021 Operation Guardian of the Walls.

Hertzi haLevi drafted in 1985 to the Paratroopers Brigade, and later served in the elite commando unit, Sayeret Matkal, among other posts. Recently, he held the position of Commander of the Southern command, which includes Gaza, the Negev, the Red Sea border and the Egyptian border.

haLevi will face unique challenges during his term as Chief of Staff, including preserving IDF independence from political machinations, countering the Iranian threat, and continuing to handle the daily tug-of-war in Judea and Samaria.

Please pray for a smooth transition of power. Please pray for wisdom for haLevi and his staff as they take the reins of the IDF. Lastly, please pray for the security of Israel and her soldiers!