Following the criticism of the IDF's conduct following the death of the late Sgt.
"Defense requires fighting and fighting requires sacrifice. Fighting situations are characterized by battle fog and changing circumstances, and decisions are often made with uncertainty and in a short period of time," the chief wrote, adding:
There can never be mistakes, and those that sadly can lead to casualties and deaths.
There is no role and no profession in which no mistakes are made, and in fighting against an enemy in particular. "
Kochavi went on to comment: "There is no commander who has not made a mistake and many commanders have lost soldiers they love and carry them with them all their lives. It is our duty to interrogate sharply, get to the truth and learn lessons,
As mentioned, the IDF presented yesterday the main points of the initial investigation into the family of the late Sgt. Barel Hadaria Shmueli. "We have not received satisfactory answers."
"The IDF defends the New Year's fee for soldiers and commanders." The IDF defends along the borders and our soldiers are deployed as a buffer between the enemy and the citizens of the country. This is our destiny! We swore to protect the citizens at the cost of our lives, "Kochavi stressed.
"The forces are equipped with weapons, weapons, full backing and command from the front. The fighters are released and holding weapons, and in any case of danger to life they pull the trigger to hit the enemy. We will continue to do the same, while making sure to be an offensive and moral, militant and valued army. "
The chief of staff personally addressed the fighters: "I know how much you take care of your soldiers, and treat them with training and routine. I know how many right decisions you have made and will make, and they affect the execution of the mission and the security of the soldiers. "Generations of soldiers return home in peace after a long military service that includes operations and wars, all thanks to the quality of the commanders in the most dangerous profession."
"Our enemies do not disappear, the challenges we face are many, and maintaining the State of Israel is our mission. A society that does not back its soldiers and commanders even when they are wrong, will find that there is no one to fight for. Willingness to bear losses is a condition for national resilience. , And stressed the importance of backing up military force.
"Commanders and soldiers - I fully support you. Continue to initiate and take responsibility, dare and bear the consequences. The support we give you expresses first and foremost a support for the method of command and leadership in the IDF.
We will not change it, we will strengthen it.
"This is not just a matter for the IDF, it is a matter for the State of Israel and at its center is the question of which commanders it wants - dare and initiate or defend and hesitate. Be bold."
"It was a successful year, in which we acted and attacked in all arenas, and went out to defend the citizens of the country with a deep sense of mission. It was a year in which we also had events from which to learn and improve," Kochavi concluded.