BG Shlomi Binder is Named the New Head of the Operations Division

BG Shlomi Binder entered his new position as the Head of the Operations Division. BG Binder is replacing BG Yaron Finkelman, who served in the position for the past two years.

The ceremony to mark the exchange of command was held yesterday (Monday), at Camp “Rabin” (the Kiryah), and was led by the Head of the Operations Directorate (J3), MG Oded Basiuk. Participating in the ceremony were commanders, soldiers, families and additional invitees. 

Following the ceremony, a toast was held by the Chief of the General Staff, LTG Aviv Kohavi, during which he congratulated the commanders. During the ceremony, the Chief of the General Staff presented a certificate of appreciation to the Operations Division for its contribution to the IDF and the security of the State of Israel, focusing on their activity in operations “Break the Wave”, “Guardian of the Walls” and “Breaking Dawn”.

Head of the Operations Directorate (J3), MG Oded Basiuk:
“The Operations Directorate is the beating heart of the IDF that leads the operation of its forces with a broad vision. Yaron, for the past two years you have been responsible for this heart. Two years of facing security challenges on all fronts and in all fighting arenas, both near and far. Two consecutive years of rich and diverse operational activity in hundreds of operations, overt and covert, in the ‘Campaign between the wars’, and in all arenas of operation. As part of your position as the Head of the Operations Division, you led the IDF’s entire operational system in operations such as ‘Guardian of the Walls’ and ‘Breaking Dawn’, and you did so professionally, responsibly, thoroughly and precisely, in a manner worthy of all appreciation. We are still facing many challenges in various circles of operation today. We are witnessing shooting attacks toward civilians and IDF soldiers in areas throughout Judea and Samaria. The IDF operates day and night in its efforts to eradicate terrorism.”

Outgoing Head of the Operations Division, BG Yaron Finkelman:
“The IDF conducts operational activity at every hour of every day, in every arena and dimension: Intensive activity at an accelerated pace, in a constant learning competition against our enemy with creativity, determination and courage. Many of these activities are undetectable to the human eye, and rise, not as an exaggeration, to the imagination. The Operations Division, as we know, is an operational administrative body whose effectiveness is the lifeblood of the IDF, and so are you! Advancing the operational activity of the IDF from the thick of the earth. Professionally, thoroughly, persistently, modestly, your work is almost unknown but most definitely perceived. I am privileged and proud to be your commander. I would like to thank the Chief of the Staff for precise operational leadership, for demanding us to express our opinions and guidance, for setting high standards, for the clarity of your decision in any situation and the great scope to carry it out. Shlomi, I am confident in your proven abilities and your many skills to lead the division and the IDF with momentum.”

Incoming Head of the Operations Division, BG Shlomi Binder:
“With a great sense of mission, I take command over the Operations Division- ‘The beating heart of the operation of the Israel Defense Forces.’ The challenges that lay before us are many and varied. Several enemies who wish to harm us are operating in the battlefield, both near and far. Aware of the weight of the responsibility, I pledge that the division will act as best it can to design and illustrate the most appropriate plans and will operate the forces of the IDF similar to a well-oiled machine in war, during an emergency and in routine scenarios. The division’s role is to imagine the next war, campaign or limited conflict in the most tangible manner and to think creatively and cunningly, in order to always remain one step ahead of our enemies, and to act optimally to implement the IDF's distinct abilities to achieve victory. We will do so through close cooperation with our allies and partners in the Mossad, the ‘Shin Bet’, the Israel Police and the Israel Prison Service: We will work together, with mutual aid and transparency, to strengthen the security of the civilians of the State of Israel. Finkelman, we have known each other for many years, but in the last few weeks we spent a great deal of quality time together. I was exposed to your work, your way of thinking, the changes you led, your professionalism and common sense. I had the privilege of watching you perform your role with distinction in Operation ‘Breaking dawn’ and I learned many lessons from you. I want to thank you for your openness and willingness to teach and share the operating methods and mechanisms you developed. You leave behind a very strong, central and dominant Operations Division, conveying skill and proficiency. Thank you friend and good luck in your next position in the IDF."