The ceremony, held today (Wednesday) at the "Palmachim" Air Force Base, was led by Air Force Commander Major General Tomer Bar and other senior Air Force officials. During the event, Major General Bar addressed the attendees.
"We are in the midst of the longest war in our history since the War of Independence, fighting for almost ten months without respite," said Major General Bar. "The Air Force defends and strikes across all theatres of war, enveloping the State of Israel with dozens of aircraft, both manned and unmanned, ready within minutes for any scenario in any arena."
"Last night, based on high-quality intelligence, fighter jets precisely targeted Hajji Mohsen, the Chief of Staff of Hezbollah and Nasrallah's right-hand man, in Beirut. This is another message to our enemies across the Middle East – we will act against anyone planning to harm Israeli citizens. No target is too distant for us."
The Air Force Commander added, "At the same time, we are strongly prepared in defence as well. Hundreds of air defence soldiers, along with air traffic control personnel, are stationed throughout the country with the best systems, ready to perform their mission as they have over the past 299 days – to protect the State of Israel and its citizens." He also noted, "We do not forget our important mission to return the hostages to their families. We remember well the residents from the south and the north whom we must bring back to their homes safely. This is an unprecedented just war. We embarked on it with determination and purpose, and we are resolute and driven."