August 23, 2023

The New Commanding Officer of the Benyamin Regional Brigade

COL Liron Biton enters the position of the Commanding Officer of the Benyamin Regional Brigade and replaces COL Eliav Elbaz, who served in the position for the past two years and will soon begin his studies.
The change of command ceremony was held this evening (Wednesday), in Ancient Shilo. The ceremony was led by the Commanding Officer of the Central Command, MG Yehuda Fox, and the Commanding Officer of the Judea and Samaria Division, BG Avi Bluth, with the participation of commanders, soldiers, families and additional guests.

Commanding Officer of the Judea and Samaria Division, BG Avi Bluth: “Our mission is, first and foremost, to provide security and ensure that the IDF prevents terror so that the civilians are able to continue their daily routine. That said, we will enforce law and order. The IDF will not stand silent when lawbreakers enter the villages, set fire to properties and risk lives, when there is tension between the towns and communities in pasturages. On actions like these we say loud and clear - this is unethical, not Jewish, it does not contribute to security and last week showed it is also dangerous. The fact that you, Elbaz, had to come in for vilification by people who do not represent the community as you arrived to pay condolences is outrageous and worthy of any condemnation. There is no greater ingratitude than this toward a service member who operates day and night to defend the civilians of the region and the State of Israel. You can look back on the past two years with great pride and satisfaction, and from here go forth toward new peaks down your way. We all wish you success. Dear Liron, I have also known you for years and you have proven yourself to be an excellent commander and a person with the wisdom of action who knows to draw lessons and advance the environment over which you command. The diverse path you took and your personal characteristics will be of help in this complex arena and I am sure that you will excel and lead the brigade toward notable achievements and multiple peaks.”

*Outgoing Commanding Officer of the Benyamin Brigade, COL Eliav Elbaz: "Night after night we thwart those who seek to harm us. It is our mission and we carried it out with many partners. The past two years have been the longest, most intense years I have experienced. Two years with over 2,000 arrest operations, countermeasures, confiscation of weapons and the prevention of terrorist attacks on routes, communities and the State of Israel’s home front. Two years of accomplishments and failures. Two years of cooperation. On the fringes of the community, grew and developed Jewish civilians who behave in a criminal, unethical manner and shame me as a Jew.
Despite the enormous difficulty and the heavy personal price I knew I would pay, I had no doubt for a moment ever since - a leader and commander does not avoid confrontation, does not circle corners, is at the front, especially when it is difficult and unpleasant. The Judea and Samaria Division has been in the most turbulent time in the past two decades. My commanders, my counterparts in other brigades and my soldiers have been dealing with a continuous wave of terror for nearly two years. We gave up our families, our personal lives and are even ready to give our lives in order to protect the people and the homeland. Every terrorist attack, every casualty of body or soul, on every route, junction or community in Judea and Samaria is like a punch in the stomach to the soul of the commander who is entrusted to defend the lives of the civilians who live in his region”

Incoming Commanding Officer of the Benyamin Brigade, COL Liron Biton: "Receiving the command over the Benyamin region is an exciting and special moment for me. It is a great responsibility, which includes, first and foremost, defending civilians of the region, and of course, maintaining the quality of life to which I have been exposed in recent months. This region is a significant and central part of the heritage of the Jewish people and personally, I feel privileged and fulfilled to command over it.
We have many challenges ahead of us, I have no doubt that with a true partnership we will succeed to accomplish this challenging mission. I look forward to working with you."