July 25, 2025

A New Commander For the Home Front Command

Major General Shay Kalper assumed the role of Commander of the Home Front Command, replacing Major General Rafi Milo, who served in this position for the past three years and will begin his new role as Commander of the Northern Command.

The change of command ceremony was held yesterday (Thursday) at the "Rehavam" Home Front Command Headquarters, led by the Chief of the General Staff, Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, and attended by commanders, soldiers, families, and additional guests.

From the remarks of the Chief of the General Staff, Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir: “During the war, I said that our enemies were mistaken in thinking that the Israeli home front is our weak point. The truth is that it is the source of our resilience - it is what gives us the strength to continue fighting for all of our homes, for the State of Israel.

We are striking our enemies throughout the Middle East thanks to powerful offensive capabilities, and we are minimizing harm to our home front through an operational concept that includes kinetic, technological, and unique capabilities, a multi-layered organizational structure, an alert system, and cooperation between Home Front Command forces, security and rescue forces, local authorities, public information efforts, and civilian discipline.

Rafi, under your leadership, the Home Front Command underwent a significant upgrade - operationally, technologically, and organizationally. You were there - on the front lines - during the long and painful campaign of “Swords of Iron”, and also in Operation “Rising Lion”, when the Home Front Command performed exemplary service under a large-scale attack, heavy fire on the home front, and unprecedented pressure conditions. Your leadership, determination, judgment, and ability to lead people in moments of truth - deserve all praise.

Shay, you bring with you a fighting spirit, boldness, deep command responsibility, and genuine commitment to the mission of defending the Israeli home front.

Commanders of the Homefront Command and its soldiers - the State of Israel has faced many challenges over the years, and you have always stepped up to every mission, with only one value in mind — the lives of people and the lives of the nation of Israel. Now, with the change of command, I am confident that you will continue to act with the same spirit of professionalism and determination, for the sake of the country.

From the remarks of the outgoing Commander of the Home Front Command, Major General Rafi Milo:
“We have been at war for 657 days, a war that began with a major failure on our part to protect the residents of the communities near the Gaza Strip. It is a failure that will stay with me for the rest of my life. During this war, 15 soldiers from the command have been killed — male and female soldiers, officers and NCOs. On October 7th, dozens of Hamas terrorists attacked the Orim and Zikim bases of the command. At Orim, ten terrorists infiltrated the base and began a killing spree. The surprised soldiers and commanders showed ingenuity, courage, and initiative, doing everything they could to stop the terrorists. At Zikim, the commanders of the training company replaced the new recruits in the defensive positions and fought with extraordinary bravery to prevent the terrorists from entering the base and harming around 100 recruits who were sheltering in fortified rooms. Behind the advanced capabilities, weapons systems, and technologies, above all, stand the people — the personnel of the Home Front Command: female and male soldiers, commanders, fighters, in regular and reserve service — wonderful people. The commanders and personnel of the districts and subdistricts, staff officers, departments and divisions, the brigade and regular battalions, command units and regional units, the college, the ‘Alon’ headquarters, the ‘Ya’ara’ division, the ‘Har Tzion’ and engineering units, battalion commanders and reserve battalions — all of them. All together, for one mission: saving lives.”

Kalper, my brother, Today you take command of the Home Front Command. There is no one more worthy and fitting than you. A brave officer in battle against the enemy, but also a leader and commander who speaks his mind, with simplicity and clarity.

From the remarks of the incoming Commander of the Home Front Command, Major General Shay Kalper: “In the 'Swords of Iron' war in general, and in Operation '”Rising Lion in particular, the Home Front Command faced the greatest challenge it has ever encountered — the very challenge for which it was established. Indeed, the command operated during the war in an admirable manner and demonstrated extraordinary capabilities. From the soldiers and units in the field, to the commanders in the rear who became the front line, and the officers in the districts and subdistricts, coordinating with emergency organizations, local authorities, and government ministries, to achieve victory in the campaign. Rafi, all of this was under your professional and courageous leadership, and your unique leadership style, leading from the front, eye to eye, with humanity, determination, and humility. Rafi, my dear brother and former commander, your work and spirit are felt throughout the command and beyond. The achievements of the Home Front Command are the fruit of your hard work. You are handing over a skilled, ready, and prepared command, for any challenge. On my own behalf and on behalf of the command, I extend immense appreciation for your work and contribution. I am confident you will lead the Northern Command to new heights — there is no one more worthy than you! Today, I exchange the brown beret for the orange one, and trade in my tactical uniform, ceramic vest, and helmet for dress fatigues, a rescue vest, and an orange helmet. Dear members of the Home Front Command, in regular and reserve service, throughout the transition, I’ve learned that ‘orange’ rises and is present at all times and in all places. The verse, ‘In distress you called and I rescued you’ is, for you, a way of life and from now on, for me as well. The war is not yet over, and the hostages have not all returned. We will continue to fight and do everything until victory is achieved and the hostages are brought home. I wish recovery to all the wounded, soldiers and civilians alike, in body and soul, and I will continue to carry in my heart the memory of my comrades and subordinates who fell, and to embrace and accompany the bereaved families. We will do everything to continue being “rising lions”, armed with “swords of iron”, and charged with the determined spirit of Gideon.’”