Letter from Chief of the General Staff, LTG Herzi Halevi:

“The IDF is a military which defends and triumphs thanks to the professionalism of its soldiers and the leadership of its commanders. An IDF commander leads by example and commands from the front. When leading, the commander trusts their soldiers and they, in turn, trust their commander, so they are never alone.
Your most important test from now on is to be the best. To advance under fire. To lead your soldiers until the mission is complete. This is the goal you will be set moving forward on missions of border defense, counterterrorism activities and in war.
Aside from these missions you will encounter complex challenges. Terrorism and its difficult consequences bring some people to commit acts that are legally and ethically forbidden. An IDF officer who stands by when seeing an Israeli citizen planning to throw a molotov cocktail at a Palestinian house cannot be an officer. This is our way. It is our strength here in the complex region in which we live and we must not exhaust it. Anyone who criticizes the IDF should remember: an apology after the fact does not eliminate the great damage caused. The IDF operates solely for the security of civilians, hence its authority. Lashing out at those who dedicate their lives to defending others harms the security of civilians.
Officers, your values and professionalism will accompany you in every mission you will be assigned. Your soldiers are those who will stand by you most. They are your most significant, valuable assets. Set the bar high for them. Train them until they achieve the required operational readiness, are used to taking responsibility and are not afraid to look directly at the truth, learn and improve.
Keep your soldiers safe by uncompromisingly enforcing disciplinary rules and security procedures. Treat them with equality, fairness and justice and care for their needs.
After doing all that, when you call out “follow me”, your soldiers will not answer merely out of duty, but also with a sense of privilege to be defending their homes, and to be following in the footsteps of commanders who are deserving of it. This is the art of being a commander.

Dear graduates, the ranks on your shoulders are a symbol of the responsibility you are receiving today. From tomorrow on, this responsibility will lead you as you lead your people. Go forth and succeed in the path of leadership, the path of those who call out“Follow me.”