July 1, 2022

The Rank of Major General was Awarded to Rafi Milo

MG Milo will soon enter his new position as Commanding Officer of the Homefront Command.
BG Rafi Milo was awarded the rank of Major General. MG Milo is expected to begin his position as the Commanding Officer of the Home Front Command within the next two weeks.

The ceremony took place this evening (Thursday) at Camp Rabin (the Kirya). The ceremony was led by the Defense Minister of Israel, Mr. Benny Gantz, and the Chief of the General Staff, LTG Aviv Kohavi. Also participating were additional IDF officials and MG Milo’s family.

Defense Minister of Israel, Mr. Benny Gantz:
“I would like to congratulate MG Milo and his family. MG Milo has undergone a remarkable and diversified journey over the years and I am confident that he will utilize his operational and interpersonal abilities as the Commanding Officer of the Home Front Command and member of the IDF General Staff Forum. Thank you, MG Ori Gordin, for the exceptional work carried out by the Home Front Command, from dealing with COVID-19 and connecting with local authorities and assisting with Aliyah operations to dealing with the additional ongoing challenges of the command. Your ability to establish and operate the command was extremely significant and I have no doubt in your success in the upcoming obstacles of the Northern Command.

Chief of the General Staff, LTG Aviv Kohavi:
“Rafi, from my acquaintance with you over the years, even from my days as the Commanding Officer of the Gaza Division when you were a battalion commander in my sector, it was said that you are a commander that people follow, capable of sweeping a crowd through great leadership and modesty. Among other attributes, these abilities are the reason as to why you are receiving the rank of Major General and joining the General Staff Forum. As the Commanding Officer of the Home Front Command you will need to understand that cooperation constitutes the “Axis of Axes.” There is no person more suited than you to carry out and lead these cooperations- through the power of leadership in lieu of the power of command, through the power of commitment in lieu of the power of authority. I trust you and I am sure that you will perform your position as Commanding Officer of the Home Front Command with great professionalism and responsibility. "

Incoming Commanding Officer of the Home Front Command, MG Rafi Milo:
When I enlisted, I had a single dream, to serve as a combat soldier in the Israeli Navy. Today, following over 30 years of service in the IDF, I stand before you excited, fairly humbled, and most of all proud to receive the rank of Major General and join the IDF General Staff Forum. This honorable status allows me to think, reflect and comprehend the strength and spirit that led me to this moment. These traits stem from my mothers side of the family, who survived the Auschwitz concentration camp and made Aliyah to the State of Israel following the war. As the third generation to Holocaust survivers, they taught me the importance of the existence of the State of Israel, as the only home for the Jewish community. And on the other hand, my fathers family- an Israeli family with a history of fighting. My grandfather, who was part of the Jewish Brigade and contributed to the establishment of the State of Israel, and through my cousin, the late Aharon Yehezkel, who was a reserve combat soldier in the Paratroopers Brigade and was killed during the Second Lebanon War. From this side of my family, I learned to be a soldier, the meaning of self sacrifice, and the necessity and obligation to fight for the protection of our home. This is a great honor and responsibility- thank you for your trust.