VIDEO: Changeover Ceremony for the Position of Prime Minister’s Military Secretary Held at the PMO in Jerusalem

(VIDEO IN EXTENDED ARTICLE)

The changeover ceremony for the position of Prime Minister’s Military Secretary was held on Wednesday, 4 Elul, at the Prime Minister’s Office in Jerusalem. Among those in attendance were Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-General Gadi Eizenkott, outgoing Military Secretary Brigadier-General Eliezer Toledano, incoming Military Secretary Colonel Avi Bluth, ministers, senior security establishment and other officials, and family members.

Prime Minister Netanyahu: “The post of military secretary is much more essential than the public is led to believe and has become far more essential over time. It links all the security elements, and not just the security elements. In the work of the Prime Minister of Israel, this liaison is critical. Your work has been exceptional but a component that is no less important, of course, and in my view over the years has become even more important, is the ability to be the connecting link between the Prime Minister and the opposite direction, to the IDF and the other security elements.

“I think that whoever has been a fighter will always be sensitive to the price of his actions, to the price of war. The price of war is heavy. It is awful, and the knowledge that we have no choice but to pay it, this knowledge always tells [us to see] how we can reduce it. Eliezer, I think, and I am sure that you also [Col. Bluth] know, that you have never lost sight of this, as I have never lost sight of it, and I would not need to explain it – aggressively and with determination, to always know the price of war. I rely on you [Col. Bluth] that you will also be there, alongside the need to be victorious in war.

From all these perspectives, I can tell you – thank you.”

IDF Chief-of-Staff Lt.-Gen. Eizenkott: “Eliezer was appointed to the position after a series of generals who served in it with great distinction. The appointment as commander of the Gaza Division, perhaps the most complex division at this time, is an expression of the great esteem and the fact that you came to this post three years ago as an officer and commander and that is how you will leave it tomorrow. I think that this expresses the great confidence that I have in you and for the General Staff members who chose you for the position.”

Outgoing Military Secretary Brig.-Gen. Toledano: “Every morning as I enter my office, I read the words ‘Prime Minister’s Office’ and I am thankful for the right to defend ourselves by ourselves, to be sovereign in the land of Israel.

“Prime Minister, for three years I have been at your side in the most difficult mission of all – maintaining Israel’s security. The Military Secretary is privy to the secrets of the State of Israel. As such I have stood in wonder at the hundreds of daring operations that have been approved on your desk, with the regular notation ‘Everyone returns’.

“Unyielding activity vis-à-vis the nuclear agreement with Iran, a strong stand against a wave of Palestinian terror, dealing with the strengthening of our enemies near and far, in-depth discussions, Gaza of course and secret diplomacy.”

Incoming Military Secretary Col. Bluth: “As I assume the post, I am awestruck that I belong to such an important forum that has the ability to really do good and do great things for the State of Israel.

“I would like to thank the Prime Minister for choosing me for the position. I promise to do everything in my power to carry out my responsibilities in the broadest sense of the term.”