The New Commanding Officer of the Northern Gaza Brigade

Yesterday (Sunday), COL Haim Cohen replaced COL Ami Bitton as the Commanding Officer of the Northern Gaza Brigade.
The ceremony marking the exchange of command was held in the town of Netiv HaAsara. The ceremony was led by the Commanding Officer of the Southern Command, MG Eliezer Toledano,  and included the participation of the Commanding Officer of the Gaza Division, BG Avi Rosenfeld, and additional commanders, soldiers, heads of authorities and family members.

Commanding Officer of the Gaza Division, BG Avi Rosenfeld:
“We are standing not far from the cities of Beit Hanoun and Beit Lahia, where our neighbors from the Gaza Strip live. Unfortunately, they live under the harsh reality of poverty and terrorism caused by the Hamas and the Islamic Jihad terrorist organizations.
Tunnels instead of greenhouses, rocket manufacturing sites instead of industrial plants. But despite these circumstances, you will not succeed in finding a house for rent in Netiv HaAsara. Perhaps you will make it onto the waiting list until something becomes available. How does such a phenomenon occur?
It occurs thanks to civilian leadership, thanks to the local residents and community and thanks to those who protect them - IDF soldiers and our partners in Israel’s security forces. Throughout the past two years, the task of defending the Israeli communities neighboring the northern part of the Gaza Strip lay on the shoulders of the Commanding Officer of the Northern Gaza Brigade, COL Ami Bitton. Ami - your experience and wisdom are reflected in dozens of operational activities, including Operation “Breaking Dawn”. We are entrusting the command of the Northern Gaza Brigade to COL Haim Cohen, who has operational experience, and the qualities of leadership and wisdom. We congratulate you and your family in joining those who protect Israeli communities near the Gaza Strip.”

The incoming Commanding Officer of the Northern Gaza Brigade, COL Haim Cohen:
“Today I take over the command of the Northern Gaza Brigade and the responsibility for an amazing region that stretches from the coast of Ashkelon to Be'eri. The purpose of this position is clear - to provide security to the residents of the surrounding area, security that will allow the local communities to continue to flourish and prosper."