Change in Command of the Intelligence Directorate (J2)

MG Shlomi Binder entered into the role of Head of the Intelligence Directorate (J2) in place of MG Aharon Haliva, who held this position for the past three years and is completing 38 years of service in the IDF. The change of command ceremony was held yesterday evening (Wednesday), at the Glilot base, led by the Chief of the General Staff, LTG Herzi Halevi, and was attended by commanders, soldiers, families and additional invitees.

From the remarks of the Chief of the General Staff, LTG Herzi Halevi: 

“As we conduct this change of command, we do not forget those whose lives were cut short 320 days ago. Today, some of the six hostage victims who were rescued in a complex operation, based on high-quality intelligence, were laid to rest. We extend our condolences to the families and communities and share in their grief. We will continue to work to bring all the hostages home alive and the fallen to a proper burial in Israel. Members of the Intelligence Directorate—let us all remember that Simchat Torah of the year 5784 will be remembered as a bitter and tragic day.

This cannot be changed, but we can influence the future by learning.
Since October 7th, in the places and opportunities where we present intelligence, I have heard remarks like, "We saw the failure of intelligence; how can we trust it again?" For many years, I have used intelligence, thought about intelligence, and worked in intelligence. We must approach intelligence with humility. We must never think we know everything. We must always strive to know more. We must ask hard questions even about situations that seem clear and stable.

To those who belittle intelligence, I ask you to remember and remind others of the tremendous achievements made possible by the excellent and high-quality intelligence at our disposal. This does not absolve responsibility, nor does it ease the pain of failure, but it is important to remember that it is part of the process of correction. Between relying on intelligence with its limitations and leaving things to chance, I choose intelligence. If we have had successes over many years and then we failed, it means that through a genuine investigation, we can distinguish between success and failure, and learn how to act to reduce the likelihood of future failures. This correction is essential for the survival of our state. You, the members of the Intelligence Directorate, will make it happen. You, who have been seared, who have smelled the burning scent of failure, will know how to think about how to fix it."

From the remarks of the outgoing Head of the Intelligence Directorate (J2), MG Aharon Haliva: 

"Personnel of the Intelligence Directorate, men and women of the Intelligence Directorate. We need the people who will operate with creativity, professionalism and talent. The people are the secret of the strength of the Intelligence Directorate, of the IDF and of the State of Israel. They are the engine and the heart and without them there is nothing. I was blessed with you during my time as the Head of the Intelligence Directorate; moral, professional and determined commanders and soldiers. The faithful people of this country who work with faith and devotion around the clock, on routine days and especially - during the long months of war. People who came from different places and different backgrounds. A spectacular Israeli mosaic. Women and men who left home and a comfortable life and chose to act for the common good."

From the remarks of the incoming Head of the Intelligence Directorate (J2), MG Shlomi Binder:

"We must constantly examine the reality around us. We must listen, create change, and be changed. Know how to be bold to ask, and also listen. Allow each and every one to express an opinion and consider it seriously. Do all this, in order to know how to meet our highest test - to give the warning of war  and intelligence that will enable meeting its goals.  Where we failed, we will investigate and improve; Where there were mistakes, we will learn and change; Where cracks have opened, no matter how big they may be, we will insist on repairing and rehabilitate - we will do this with the intention of rebuilding trust."

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