March 4, 2021

Newly Commissioned Officers Join the Navy

Deputy Chief of the General Staff:" We will continue to improve, intensify, develop and increase our military advantage over the enemy."

The graduation ceremony of the 142nd Naval Officers Course was held yesterday (Wednesday), at the Haifa Naval base. 34 Naval officers have completed the course, which lasted over two years of training to become naval combat officers and included academic studies at the University of Haifa.

The Naval officers who completed the course - the next generation of naval officers - will be assigned as commanders to a variety of advanced vessels: missile ships, patrol boats and submarines.

The ceremony was held in the presence of the Minister of Defense, Mr. Benny Gantz, the Deputy Chief of the General Staff, Maj. Gen. Eyal Zamir, the Commanding Officer of the Navy, Maj. Gen. Eli Sharvit, senior staff of the Navy, family members and other guests.

Minister of Defense, Mr. Benny Gantz:" The decision of the ICC is a reward for terrorism and terrorist organizations. Full support is given to the IDF soldiers and their commanders, who will continue to fulfill their mission with dedication and morality. Here in the Israel Defense Forces, we are all brothers, and in Israeli society we are all equal citizens. The use of shameful nicknames such as "Shiksa" towards IDF female soldiers defending the country's citizens mainly indicates those who use them who forgot that “Derech Eretz” preceded the Torah. Our answer will be to strengthen the IDF's enterprises that bring hearts together, including the “Nativ” Program. Dear graduates, before I came here I read about you and learned that you are all made up of special material, and that behind the gleaming white uniforms are the best that Israeli society has to offer. Go forth and succeed!"

The Deputy Chief of the General Staff, Maj. Gen. Eyal Zamir: "It is no secret that with each passing year, the maritime environment becomes more and more valuable as an asset to the State of Israel. The past year has been further proof of the complexity of the challenges in all theaters of operation. The IDF is in relentless confrontation with the terrorist proxies of Iran, the force build up of Hezbollah and its establishment in Syria, and the confrontation with Hamas and the Islamic Jihad. The IDF repeatedly thwarts its enemies’ several attempts to harm Israel's security, thanks in part to the actions and operations of the Navy. Only a few months ago, we inaugurated the new flagship 'Saar 6' corvette, and we do not intend to stop; we will only improve, intensify, develop and increase the military advantage of the IDF and the State of Israel over our enemies."

The Commanding Officer of the Navy, Major General Eli Sharvit: "Tonight you join our ranks, 31 male and 3 female officers, bringing with you quality, fresh thinking - there's a breath of fresh air every time a group of naval officers joins our ranks. The might of a navy derives mainly from the quality of its personnel, and we have the best men and women. We understand the significance of our operational activity at sea for the security of the State of Israel."