At a ceremony marking the change of command for the Judea and Samaria Division, Brig. Gen. Yaki Dolf handed over leadership to Brig. Gen. Kobi Heller. Central Command Chief Avi Bluth addressed the gathering by drawing from the weekly Torah portion, recalling how the verses about going to war and remembering Amalek resonate with the events of October 7. He declared that Hamas is “the Amalek of our time,” likening its brutal assault on Israel to the biblical enemy who struck at the most vulnerable. Bluth acknowledged the failure of defense that day but emphasized the urgent lessons it teaches for Israel’s military strategy.

Bluth stressed that threats must be confronted early and decisively, rather than relying only on deterrence or early warnings. He noted that disturbances in Judea and Samaria are no longer tolerated but dealt with immediately to prevent escalation. Reflecting on the changes over the last two years, and especially since the launch of Operation Wall of Iron, he commended the outgoing commander for leaving behind a more secure and stable sector despite Israel facing war on multiple fronts.

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SOURCE: Israel National News