IDF gears up for 2025: 'A year of combat on multiple fronts'

In a detailed memo to his combat soldiers and officers, Babad laid out the formidable security hurdles and missions awaiting the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in the year ahead. He painted a picture of a nation at a crossroads, with escalating tensions across multiple fronts demanding peak readiness and resolve.

Babad warned that 2025 could be a year defined by conflict, as intelligence points to sustained or renewed fighting in Judea and Samaria, Gaza, and beyond. “We’re in a high-stakes period,” he wrote, urging his troops to uphold top-tier professionalism. The IDF, he noted, is locked in intense operations against Hamas in Gaza and militants in the West Bank, all while racing to secure the release of hostages. Simultaneously, the military is enforcing a fragile ceasefire along the Lebanese border and bracing for potential flare-ups on the Syrian frontier, where terrorists have repeatedly tried to smuggle arms and fortify positions amid regional chaos.

The colonel also flagged Iran’s growing shadow—potentially via Yemen—as a looming threat, alongside domestic unrest that could strain resources further. “The IDF faces an immense load,” Babad stressed, calling for sharper efficiency and bolstered morale among fighters and leaders alike. He detailed the brigade’s buildup: 700 soldiers completed training in Q1 2025, with more battalions slated to hit operational status by year-end, turbocharging the unit’s capacity. “Our progress is strong—our troops show grit and skill,” he praised.

Babad’s roadmap is clear: all battalions must be battle-ready by December, with three prepped by mid-year. “Quality is non-negotiable,” he insisted, “but so is our ability to field a force for any scenario.” Closing with a rallying cry, he saluted his team’s dedication: “Together, we’ll triumph.” As 2025 looms, the Yehonatan Brigade stands poised for a grueling test of endurance and unity.